Effective December 15, 2010, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife changed their guidelines for distance learning. Students are now required to spend a minimum amount of time on each course page before proceeding to the certification exam.

Click here to go to the latest version of the Today's Hunter in Washington online course—the official hunter education course of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Go to the new Washington course

The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your Washington certification.

8.6 Black Powder/Black Powder Substitutes

All muzzleloading firearms are loaded from the muzzle. All muzzleloading firearms legal for hunting use one of two types of powder: black powder or an approved black powder substitute.

There are different types of black powder and black powder substitutes. Make sure you select the right type of black powder or black powder substitute for your gun. The wrong type of powder could damage the firearm and injure shooters! A gunsmith or sporting goods dealer can help you select the right black powder or black powder substitute for your firearm. Most muzzleloading rifles use FFg (2F) black powder, RS Pyrodex ®, or pellets. Check with the manufacturer of your muzzleloader if you have questions.

NEVER use smokeless powder in a Damascus-barreled shotgun or any other muzzleloader.

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Official hunting safety course for Washington hunters last modified: October 29, 2010
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