I have been disappointed as the situation evolved this year in Idaho.
Due to complaints from residents, about the difficulty in obtaining percussion caps and the shrinking availability and perceived environmental impact of lead projectiles, the Fish and Game have proposed allowing non-lead projectiles and 209 primers.
Idaho is fairly traditional in their muzzleloader rules for hunting. Loose powder, patched round ball or lead alloy conical engraved at the muzzle, open sights (now allowing 1x non-illuminated optic), exposed hammer, no 209, etc. I think they took away the phrase some years ago, but it used to include something about the cap being exposed.
Allowing skirted and 'integral pusher base' projectiles (but not sabots) doesn't feel right to me.
And the 209 thing is just weird. Sure, I had to work pretty hard to get percussion caps, but I was able to get them. And now every gun store that stocks BP supplies has some available.
But how do you use people's laziness, or ignorance of other means for getting caps, as an excuse to allow an ignition system that has been despised by local hunters for years?
Most Idahoans don't want our muzzleloader seasons to become "extended rifle season" like some of our neighboring states' seasons have with inline muzzleloaders, pellet powders, Powerbelt bullets, 209 ignition, and magnifying optics. And, we have "short range weapon" restrictions in some areas, which includes muzzleloaders.
Once that 209 ignition door is opened, we start sliding down that slippery slope toward tactical inlines, long range muzzleloader hunting, and houses getting bullet impacts near "short range weapon" areas.
