It has been quite a few years since I took a hunter safety class and I honestly didn't listen too much to the speech on hunting with a Muzzle Loader.

Recently, I have been thinking alot about next deer season, (mainly because I got skunked this year...) and decided I would like to take advantage of the extra week and a half of ML season. I got to reading about it on the state (NH) website http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunting.htm and I came across this:
I'm guessing that it may vary state to state, but does this mean that I can't bring my typical sidearm (357 or 454 revolver) with me? I'm not so much concerned with the kill shot/follow-up shot, as with whats going to come after my kill. Now I haven't ever had another animal try and take my kill, but that doesn;t mean that it can't happen. Besides that, the way I read it, I can't even bring something like a Ruger Old Army with me as it has more than one shot.... This might dissuade me from doing too much ML hunting.

Thoughts and opinions are welcome!

Hypothetical situation: Based upon what you learn here, you go afield with your muzzle-loader and your standard carry piece. During the hunt you run across the local Redcoat (a/k/a Fish Cop, or more formally: Conservation Officer) and in the ensuing discussion he gives you an invitation to the local district court some three or four weeks hence.

You will be faced with a day off from work, but possibly much more -- a substantial contribution to the state's general fund, perhaps even a short vacation at the county bed and breakfast, possibly even the confiscation of your firearms (the ones in your possession at the time of the aforementioned discussion), and/or your right to hunt for the next few seasons.

Question: Which would you rather present to the judge in your defense, a print-out of these discussions, or a letter from Fish and Game headquarters in Concord stating that what you intended was acceptable under the legislation as they understand it?

And, oh by the way, if you have any difficulty in getting a letter from F&G clearing up their understanding of the relevant RSA, your state representative, state senator, and/or governor's councilor are your friends.

Just a thought. . .

The Old Guy

The way I read it, you're correct. No modern handguns, or even a black powder revolver. It looks like you could carry a .50 caliber horse pistol.

As for your concern for after the harvest, are you talking wolves, cougar, bear, or other hunters? I hunt in areas full of bear and wolves and in all my years have never been bothered by them after the harvest. They are more interested in the gut pile. Now granted wolves in the area will scare off game, but I have never had them confront me.

I would harvest my deer, reload, and then go about my business. If the event something happened.. you have the rifle and a horse pistol. Just make them shots count.

In New York,it definately means "no modern firearms".
But.I asked a CO about bringing a pistol on a back pack hunt into the Catskills.He answered that,he would fine me if he caught me,but,if I was truly only going to use it for an emergency,there is little chance that I would use it.
Nobody would know;nobody would care.
Frank

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Frank

Thats what I figured.

I was concerned about other animals, namely black bears the occasional coy dog assuming the hunt goes late. Like I said, I've never had a problem before, I just don't like the law and I don;t think that I will be doing a whole lot of ML hunting. I'll only be home for 5 of the 10 extra days anyways.

Just to be clear, I don;t intend on breaking any laws, regardless of how lame I think they are.