I'm almost sure they are legal but can't seem to find it in the regulations. Could someone tell me and/or post a link to the full regulations for muzzleloaders. Are there any crazy restrictions that I need to be aware of?
Muzzleloader: scopes legal or not?
- Thread starter Alabama
- Start date
hoshour
Veteran member
I looked up the AZ state statutes, specifically Sec. 12.4, which is the Game and Fish section. I was directed there by the AZ Hunting Regulations book that is prominent on the G&GF website. Whenever I want to search a long document like that or the statutes I just use the Search function in Google Chrome. It's the 3 horizontal dashes icon in the upper right of your screen. Just type in "muzzleloader" and it will highlight every occurence and the arrows will jump to the next occurence for you.
ARTICLE 3. TAKING AND HANDLING OF WILDLIFE
R12-4-301. Definitions
“Muzzleloading handgun” means a firearm intended to be
fired from the hand, incapable of firing fixed ammunition,
having a single barrel, and loaded through the muzzle with
black powder or synthetic black powder and a single projectile.
“Muzzleloading rifle” means a firearm intended to be fired
from the shoulder, incapable of firing fixed ammunition, having
a single barrel and single chamber, and loaded through the
muzzle with black powder or synthetic black powder and a
single projectile.
I could find no reference to any restriction on muzzleloaders. However, this is the AZ Administrative Code and it may be that there is a restriction not listed here, I don't know. I would call AZ G&F.
Here's something else I found in the administrative code that I didn't know:
A “muzzleloader” season may use one or more of the following
methods or devices if authorized under R12-4-304
as lawful for the species hunted:
a. Bows and arrows;
b. Crossbows or bows to be drawn and held with an
assisting device; and
c. Muzzleloading rifles or handguns, as defined under
R12-4-301.
I don't know when a muzzleloader season might be easier to draw than an archery season, but maybe you're an archer who wants to hunt with a smoke pole toting friend but you don't own a muzzleloader.
Or, you own a crossbow but know that you can't use one during archery season. You just apply for muzzleloading season.
Again, I would check these things out with the AZ G&F.
ARTICLE 3. TAKING AND HANDLING OF WILDLIFE
R12-4-301. Definitions
“Muzzleloading handgun” means a firearm intended to be
fired from the hand, incapable of firing fixed ammunition,
having a single barrel, and loaded through the muzzle with
black powder or synthetic black powder and a single projectile.
“Muzzleloading rifle” means a firearm intended to be fired
from the shoulder, incapable of firing fixed ammunition, having
a single barrel and single chamber, and loaded through the
muzzle with black powder or synthetic black powder and a
single projectile.
I could find no reference to any restriction on muzzleloaders. However, this is the AZ Administrative Code and it may be that there is a restriction not listed here, I don't know. I would call AZ G&F.
Here's something else I found in the administrative code that I didn't know:
A “muzzleloader” season may use one or more of the following
methods or devices if authorized under R12-4-304
as lawful for the species hunted:
a. Bows and arrows;
b. Crossbows or bows to be drawn and held with an
assisting device; and
c. Muzzleloading rifles or handguns, as defined under
R12-4-301.
I don't know when a muzzleloader season might be easier to draw than an archery season, but maybe you're an archer who wants to hunt with a smoke pole toting friend but you don't own a muzzleloader.
Or, you own a crossbow but know that you can't use one during archery season. You just apply for muzzleloading season.
Again, I would check these things out with the AZ G&F.
luckynv
Active Member
I dont have the backup info to provide you but scopes are legal on muzzleloaders in Arizona. The new regs are online now for Elk and Antelope and it should be in there. Good luck and God bless
hoshour
Veteran member
I should mention that to use a crossbow in AZ you must get a crossbow permit.
Also, while B&C will accept a trophy shot with a crossbow if it is legal equipment in that season and area, P&Y will not accept trophies taken with a crossbow.
Also, while B&C will accept a trophy shot with a crossbow if it is legal equipment in that season and area, P&Y will not accept trophies taken with a crossbow.
Musket Man
Veteran member
Umpqua hunter would know I bet! IDK anything about AZ regs. I put Williams peep sights on my smoke pole so it will be legal wherever I hunt with it. From what hoshour posted it seems like there are not alot of restrictions or they would be listed there but I would want more clarification on specific regs before I hunted there too.
Thanks, that's good to know about the crossbow. Not at all worried about P&Y or B&C. I judge animals by gross score not net. Like packmule says: nets are for fishing!
I also found that subsection and you only have to have a crossbow permit if you have a disability that prevents you from using a traditional bow and you wish to hunt with a crossbow during an archery only season. Still can't find anything on scopes for muzzleloaders.
hoshour
Veteran member
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
Yep, my understanding is you can pretty much use all the bells and whistles on muzzleloaders in Arizona, but please check before doing so.
You are also correct on the disabilities requirement to use the crossbow during archery season. I had planned to hunt archery elk season in AZ this year with my son but I messed up my shoulder this fall so I have recently checked on the crossbow possibility. I wouldn't qualify to use a crossbow since it has to be 90% loss of use of the limb and a permanent disability. Seems pretty strict since a far smaller injury will put your out of business for shooting a bow, and there is no provision to return tags or reinstate points once you have drawn.
You are also correct on the disabilities requirement to use the crossbow during archery season. I had planned to hunt archery elk season in AZ this year with my son but I messed up my shoulder this fall so I have recently checked on the crossbow possibility. I wouldn't qualify to use a crossbow since it has to be 90% loss of use of the limb and a permanent disability. Seems pretty strict since a far smaller injury will put your out of business for shooting a bow, and there is no provision to return tags or reinstate points once you have drawn.
I knew you would chime in eventually, thanks Umpqua. I have read the regulations top to bottom and can not find it. I'll call G&F tomorrow and find out for sure. I didn't know that about if you draw, the tag is yours no matter what.