Scopes on muzzleloaders now legal in Wisconsin
Weekly News Article Published: October 12, 2010 by the Central Office
Rule change opens season to more
MADISON ? When the 10-day muzzleloader deer season was created nearly 20 years ago, state natural resources officials say supporters wanted a more traditional hunt.
Hunters have seen a lot of changes since 1991, including the development of scopes, which officials say were long deemed unlawful for muzzleloader hunters in the Wisconsin woods. But muzzleloader hunters can now add that to the list of changes.
Starting this deer season, muzzleloaders hunting in Wisconsin may legally use a scope. The push for this change started last year when the Wisconsin Conservation Congress voted in favor of the idea. Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank signed the rule change putting it into effect for this muzzleloader-only season ? Nov. 29 through Dec. 8.
DNR Hunter Education Administrator Tim Lawhern, also a conservation warden, says the change in scopes is good news for those hunters whose eyesight is not sharp.
?In the past, it was illegal to use anything other than a true 1 power telescopic device atop any muzzleloader during the season,? Lawhern said, adding that may have caused some hunters to bypass the seasons. ?We all know eye sight deteriorates with years. The ability to use scopes during this season will offer the opportunity to more hunters who can benefit from the scopes to add these 10 days to their annual deer hunt.?
Lawhern says a 3X9, 2X7 or any other magnification is legal to use under the recent rule change.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern ? (608) 266-1317
