side lock hunt restrictions?

[nekshot]

States that have primative side lock hunts, how do they define the restriction? Do they define what angle the cap must be in relation to bore or is it side" hammer only" that they want to see?

[dondiego]

I think that the intent is to limit inlines from being used. I would assume that my underhammer would be legal during a sidelock only hunt. I could be wrong.

[bedbugbilly]

You could call your state's DNR to get a clarification. I would be under the same assumption as dondiego - i.e. I would interpret that a "traditional" or "primitive" season would allow either flint or percussion while utilizing a "traditional" muzzleloader - i.e. excluding inlines. A flintlock or a percussion rifle with a traditional sidekick, an under hammer or a "mule ear" side slapping lock I would think would be accepted as they are all "traditional" designs. BUT, that does you no good if a DNR officer comes along and "mis interprets" the law and those things are possible. A quick call to your state's DNR office ought to clarify it and if no one there who answers the phone has the ability to answer the question, ask for the phone number for the DNR law enforcement officer who covers your territory and he/she should certainly be able to answer your question. I haven't hunted in years, but when I did - during Michigan's primitive season I often hunted with an under hammer.

[markX]

In PA the late season (primitive) is flintlock only

[mooman76]

Every state defines thing differently. They should have a table of definitions in their book.

[Geezer in NH]

Most define by the type of action used before a certain date. Yes there were some inlines at the latter part of the 1800's but not common.

The rule is for the spirit of the hunt, not to extend a season for other action reason. Get in the spirit when you want to use that season. It is why no firearm is allowed in the Primitive Archery season, although they et breeched with compound bows and crossbows.

IMHO same as the inline bolt action styles and the TC break opens that push the extended range like a scoped rifle you are used to.