No Optics on ML in NM 2023

[TXLonghorn]

Just returned frm a ML elk hunt and my outfitter is convinced optics on muzzle loaders will be gone by rule change by 2023 season.
Anyone have information on this change?

 

[hank4elk]

Just returned frm a ML elk hunt and my outfitter is convinced optics on muzzle loaders will be gone by rule change by 2023 season.
Anyone have information on this change?

Done deal. In the units with a MZ season.
Still able to use them in the AW units/hunts.

I'm trading my setup for a reloading rig for my -06. I have had some great hunts with it, but I like my -06 more.

 

[TXLonghorn]

I see. Any idea as to the motivation for this change?

 

[rmyoung1]

I see. Any idea as to the motivation for this change?

I’m sure it’s the fact that today’s so-called muzzleloaders with 700-yard effective ranges effectively defeat the intent of a primitive weapon season.

 

[mdhunter]

Yea, I didn’t believe it before I saw it at range in NM before my elk hunt. A guy was banging steel at 500 yards like it was nothing.

 

[hank4elk]

I’m sure it’s the fact that today’s so-called muzzleloaders with 700-yard effective ranges effectively defeat the intent of a primitive weapon season.

60% + success rates proved this. 200 yards was my personal limit with it, not the inlines.

 

[Hem]

60% + success rates proved this. 200 yards was my personal limit with it, not the inlines.

200 yds with open sights?
Fess up Hank...when you were younger.

 

[TXLonghorn]

Weeelll, that may be so.
It figures, I have a good ML myslf

700 may be a stretch but a solid 400 all day.

But what is the “intent” of a primative weapon season?

 

[TXLonghorn]

You guys think this is a good move?

I’ve always felt it was my job as a hunter to make the most accurate shot producing the cleanest kill possible. I feel i owe it to the animal.
I use the best equipment available to do that.

 

[TXLonghorn]

That said I did smoke one on Monday at 100yds. But I was prepared for longer.

 

[JLS]

But what is the “intent” of a primative weapon season?

When the harvest rate and totals for primitive weapons gets too high, then you have to shorten or eliminate the season, or make the primitive weapons more primitive.

 

[338win]

Didn’t take a rocket surgeon to see that coming. I hope they go full idaho with the muzzleloader rules.

 

[TheTone]

You guys think this is a good move?

I’ve always felt it was my job as a hunter to make the most accurate shot producing the cleanest kill possible. I feel i owe it to the animal.
I use the best equipment available to do that.

So I’d assume you only hunt with the biggest center fire rifle you shoot really accurately?

I think it’s great. Will almost certainly lead to lower success rates and thus maybe to more hunter opportunity as well

 

[hank4elk]

200 yds with open sights?
Fess up Hank...when you were younger.

No it has a scope.........LOL. I have hit 400 with it. But it's my rule.
My -06 can easily hit 600, but my limit zone is around 400 on it. Hunting wild game.

 

[TXLonghorn]

So I’d assume you only hunt with the biggest center fire rifle you shoot really accurately?

I think it’s great. Will almost certainly lead to lower success rates and thus maybe to more hunter opportunity as well

You would assume correctly.

 

[Hem]

No it has a scope.........LOL. I have hit 400 with it. But it's my rule.
My -06 can easily hit 600, but my limit zone is around 400 on it. Hunting wild game.

All fun.
Pretty certain I am 9 years your junior. The 100 yd shot with my traditional/ open sights off a sudden is a challenge.
Same for me, 200 yards with scoped in-line is max. I've shot one deer at that distance but typically I'm shooting to kill at 60 yards max.

 

[noharleyyet]

I’d stand a better chance of taking one @400 with iron than drawing a tag.

 

[BrentD]

It would be much better, and more effective if they had targeted the projectile instead of the targeting system, but better that than nothing.

 

[winmag]

I hope the change improves draw odds, but I’m prepared to be disappointed.

 

[hank4elk]

It would be much better, and more effective if they had targeted the projectile instead of the targeting system, but better that than nothing.

Yep, me and a Hawken is like 40 yards all day long....missing.