A group of hunters using muzzleloading rifles say the Colorado Division of Wildlife should allow the use of riflescopes in muzzle-loading season. Muzzle-loading rifles were the first firearms to be invented...and require the hunter to the load gunpowder and shot into the barrel before firing.
Colorado Division of Wildlife regulations do not allow telescopic sights on the weapons during the muzzle-loading season, saying such scopes are not in the spirit of primitive hunting.
But CDOW spokesperson Randy Hampton says those hunters have options if they wish to use rifle scopes by hunting with muzzle-loaders during regular big-game seasons, when those devices are permitted.
Muzzle-loading hunters say rifle scopes have been around since the 1830's, and because of that scopes should fit the definition of primitive hunting. They also say disallowing scopes discriminates against older hunters who are having vision problems.
