8.13 Muzzleloading Hunting Seasons

Early muzzleloader season for deer usually begins in late September or early October, depending upon the unit being hunted. Hunters using muzzleloaders usually have 10-14+ days of hunting opportunity during the early deer seasons. In addition to the early season, special late seasons also are available for muzzleloader deer hunting. Not all units are open during the early or late muzzleloader deer seasons; so muzzleloader hunters must review the annual hunting pamphlet for open seasons, dates, and units.

Early muzzleloader seasons for elk usually begin during early October and last for about a week. There are also late seasons for muzzleloader elk hunters. The late seasons usually begin in late November and continue into early December. Not all units are open during the early or late seasons, which means that interested muzzleloader hunters must read the hunting pamphlet to check season dates, times, and units.

There are also special muzzleloader deer and elk permit hunts each year. Permit hunts require special applications and a lottery drawing. The number of permits and season dates vary annually. Refer to a current hunting season pamphlet for current seasons and rules.