The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants to make it clear to all muzzleloader hunters – not all muzzleloaders are created equal. Some of the new models do not meet the legal definition of guns authorized for use during muzzleloading gun season.

The two issues which seem to be generating the most questions are whether muzzleloaders with an electronic ignition are legal and whether the use of nitro-cellulose powder is legal. Neither is legal for use in Florida during muzzleloading gun season.

“In particular, the CVA Electra is a new muzzleloader on the market that doesn’t qualify as a state-defined muzzleloader,” said Capt. John Miller of FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement. “It is not a legal weapon for muzzleloader season because it uses an electronic ignition, fired by a battery.”

The legal types of guns for use during the muzzleloading gun season use black powder or a non-nitro-cellulose substitute and are fired by wheel lock, flintlock or percussion cap ignition (including shotgun or 209 type primers). They are not adaptable to use of any self-contained cartridge ammunition.

The CVA Electra muzzleloader is legal to use during general gun season, however.

For more information on muzzleloader hunting, visit MyFWC.com/hunting .

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. - Primitive weapons deer season begins Saturday, Oct. 14. Last year, over 52,000 muzzleloader hunters harvested approximately 13,709 deer, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division . The statewide 2006 primitive weapons deer season is Oct. 14-20.
“Hunters, especially those that use muzzleloaders, are excited about the primitive weapons season because it provides them an opportunity to hunt a week prior to the traditional opening of the firearms hunting season,” says WRD Chief of Game Management Bill Fletcher.
During the primitive weapons season hunters may use archery equipment , muzzleloading shotguns and muzzleloading firearms . All hunters, including archers, must wear at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange above the waist during the primitive weapons season. For the first time, scopes and other optical sighting devices are now legal for muzzleloading firearms during this week-long season. Scopes also are legal on archery equipment.
Hunters who participate in primitive weapons season may harvest deer of either sex during the entire week of the season in counties open for firearms deer hunting. Hunters also should note that the season bag limit remains at 10 does and two antlered bucks. Regarding the buck limit, one of the two antlered bucks must have at least four points on one side of the antlers. There are no additional antler restrictions except in counties with special antler restrictions.
Georgia hunters must possess both a primitive weapons license and a big game license to hunt deer during the primitive weapons season. Hunters also must possess a wildlife management area license to hunt on a WMA . Hunters may purchase licenses on the Internet at www.gohuntgeorgia.com , by phone at 1-888-748-6887 or at one of over 1,000 license agents.
For more information on the primitive weapons deer season, visit the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com, contact the local WRD Game Management Office or call 761-3045.

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division encourages hunters to be alert and aware as they prepare for the upcoming primitive weapons deer hunting season, Oct. 14-20, 2006. Muzzleloading, or blackpowder, guns have special requirements that call for critical attention to their specific safety precautions.While misuse of tree stands continues to the leading cause of hunting-related incidents - all firearms should be handled with the utmost respect.
“Hunters that use muzzleloading guns during primitive weapons season should know that they have specific safety precautions,” says State Hunter Safety Coordinator Capt. James Bell. “The user must be completely familiar with all safety requirements regarding the handling, loading and firing of the gun before using it to hunt.”
Anyone who shoots a shotgun, rifle or muzzleloader, should know basic firearms safety, such as keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, never relying solely on a gun’s “safety”, handling every gun as if it was loaded and avoiding all use of alcohol and/or drugs before and during the use of a firearm. In addition to these, there are other safety measures that are unique to muzzleloaders, including:
Never smoke around or while using a muzzleloader.
Use a small intermediate device, such as a measure to pour powder into a barrel.
Never place yourself in front of the muzzle at any time.
Keep flask and powder containers away from flames, sparks and shooting areas to prevent an accidental explosion.
Use only powders that are specific to each particular muzzleloader and recommended by that firearms manufacturer. To do otherwise can cause damage to the firearm and may cause serious injury, and even death, to the shooter and/or spectators.
Place percussion cap on nipple only when ready to shoot.
The gun is considered to be safely unloaded only when the bullet, powder and percussion cap are removed from the gun. If using a flintlock muzzleloader, the bullet and powder should be removed and the flash pan should be un-primed.
Be sure to use only the recommended loading materials, the correct powder charge, the right diameter and weight bullet and the correct lead material.
Never use plastic patches. These are different from sabots.
Treat a misfire as though your gun could fire at any moment. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Make sure the gun is completely unloaded before attempting to clean it.
Make sure the projectile is firmly seated on the powder before capping and firing.
Never blow down the barrel of a muzzleloader to clear or extinguish sparks.
For more information on muzzleloader and general firearms safety, contact the nearest WRD Law Enforcement Office or call 761-3010.
Region I / Calhoun / 769-9680
Region II / Gainesville / 535-5499
Region III / Thomson / 595-4211
Region IV / Macon / 751-6415
Region V /Albany / 430-4252
Region VI / Metter / 685-2145
Region VII / Brunswick / 264-7237