Although modern in-line muzzleloaders are accurate at ranges beyond 200 yards, it's still critical to execute a careful stalk and close as much distance as possible.
Limited Tags, Quality Bucks
Jones is one of a select group of outfitters who hunt during muzzleloader-only antelope seasons. Like any western big-game hunting opportunity (with the exception of archery hunts), muzzleloader antelope seasons are quite popular and tags can be tough to get. New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Idaho are the only states that have special muzzleloader-only units or seasons, and of those four states, Colorado has the most extensive hunting opportunities. About thirty-six units have a designated muzzleloader season on antelope; most are sandwiched between the archery and general firearms seasons. However, only 164 tags were awarded in 2005, less than 2 percent of all antelope tags. Idaho has the most tags available--230--and they are distributed among four management units. New Mexico has two units open to muzzleloader hunting exclusively, with about 175 tags total, and Jones has been hunting this muzzleloader-only unit for twenty years.
Idaho and Colorado have specific rules that restrict muzzleloader components during the special seasons. Colorado hunters are prohibited from using scopes, saboted bullets and pelletized powder during the muzzleloader-only season. Idaho hunters face even tighter restrictions in two units designated as "traditional muzzleloader" units. Here hunters are limited to solid lead balls or bullets, open sights and flint or percussion ignition systems. The 209 primer-type ignition systems so popular throughout the country are illegal in both the traditional and the two regular muzzleloader areas in Idaho. Hunters are also prohibited from using sabots and pelletized powder. New Mexico and Arizona have no such restrictions.
Of course, veteran antelope hunters with a number of pronghorns under their belt may opt to carry a muzzleloader in any season open to general firearms hunting. With that in mind, the hunting opportunities are only limited by your ability to draw a tag. Wyoming is arguably the best state for opportunity on both public and private land. With an estimated herd of around 400,000 animals, there is no shortage of hunting opportunities in virtually every region of the state. Bureau of Land Management lands are abundant, and the state has an excellent private-lands access program. Montana also has fantastic hunting and lots of tags along with a great access program. The state sells about 60,000 antelope licenses per year.
The other option, of course, is to go guided, which is what Capuano and I chose. Jones contracts with landowners and essentially pays for the tags and exclusive guiding rights. His clients don't have to apply through the state's lottery system. The landowners are required by the state to offer some tags to the public as well as free access to their land in exchange for those tags. Although we saw other hunters who were lucky enough to draw a tag through the lottery system, we never bumped into them while searching for antelope off the state road that bisects this unit.
Understanding Long-Distance Loads
Modern in-line muzzleloaders have, admittedly, taken away at least some of the challenge originally offered by traditional-style sidelock blackpowder rifles. What was once an unreliable rifle with an effective range of 100 yards or less has turned into what Jones--along with many other gun enthusiasts--described as a single-shot .30-30. They might even be better than a .30-30. That's why Idaho and Colorado continue to put restrictions on muzzleloader components during their special seasons. However, even in-lines have their limits. Without the right load and a high-quality gun, most shooters would be lucky to put two shots in a four-inch ring at 100 paces.
