Updated as of 3/14/2023 - Below are Colorado's hunting rules for muzzleloading rifles and smoothbore muskets.
A. Only legal muzzleloaders allowed in muzzleloading seasons.
B. In-line muzzleloaders are legal.
C. Must be a single barrel that fires a single round ball or conical projectile.
D. To hunt deer, pronghorn or bear, conical bullets must be a minimum of .40 caliber, and round-ball bullets must be a minimum of .50 caliber.
E. To hunt elk or moose, conical bullets must be a minimum of .50 caliber, and round-ball bullets must be a minimum of .54 caliber.
F. From .40 caliber to .50 caliber, bullets must weigh a minimum of 170 grains.
G. If greater than .50 caliber, bullets must weigh a minimum of 210 grains.
H. Shotshell primers and B.O.R. Lock MZ System bullets are legal.
I. Pelletized powder systems are prohibited during muzzleloading seasons.
J. [A muzzleloader] Cannot be loaded from the breech during muzzleloading seasons.
K. Only open or iron sights allowed in muzzleloading seasons. Fiber optics and fluorescent paint incorporated into or on open or iron sights are legal. Scopes or any sighting device using artificial light, batteries and electronic gear are prohibited during muzzleloading seasons.
L. Sabots are prohibited during muzzleloading seasons. Cloth patches are not sabots.
M. Smokeless powder is prohibited in muzzleloading seasons. Black powder and black-powder substitutes are legal.
N. Electronic or battery-powered devices cannot be incorporated into or attached to muzzleloader during muzzleloading seasons.
Additional Rules:
Regarding Hunter Visibility - Hunters must wear at least 500 square inches of solid (orange or pink camouflage does not qualify) fluorescent orange or pink material and a fluorescent orange or pink hat, visible from all angles, while hunting deer, elk, pronghorn, moose or bear with any firearm license including muzzleloader seasons.
Regarding Vehicle Safety - When in a vehicle, Muzzleloading rifles are considered unloaded if the percussion cap or shotshell primer is removed, or if the powder is removed from the flashpan.
COLORADO MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASONS
Muzzleloader Deer Season - Sept. 9th - Sept. 17th
The muzzleloader Deer season in general runs from September 9th through September 17th, unless otherwise noted in the Colorado Hunting Brochure tables. You can review the hunting tables HERE. Go to page 33, 34 & 42 on the PDF for Muzzleloader Deer tables.
Muzzleloader Elk Season - Sept. 9 - Sept. 17th
The muzzleloader Elk season in general also runs from September 9th through September 17th, unless otherwise noted in the Colorado Hunting Brochure tables. You can see the hunting tables HERE. Go to pages 51 and 52 on the PDF for Muzzleloader Elk tables.
Muzzleloader Pronghorn Season - Sept. 21st - Sept. 29th
The muzzleloader Pronghorn season in general also runs from September 21st through September 29th, unless otherwise noted in the Colorado Hunting Brochure tables. You can see the hunting tables HERE. Go to pages 63 and 64 on the PDF for Muzzleloader Pronghorn tables.
Muzzleloader Moose Season - Sept. 9th - Sept. 17th
The muzzleloader Moose season in general also runs from September 9th through September 17th, unless otherwise noted in the Colorado Hunting Brochure tables. You can see the hunting tables HERE. Go to pages 67, 68 and 69 on the PDF for Muzzleloader Moose tables.
Muzzleloader Bear Season - Sept 9th - Sept. 17th
The muzzleloader Bear season in general also runs from September 9th through September 17th, unless otherwise noted in the Colorado Hunting Brochure tables. You can see the hunting tables HERE. Go to pages 72 and 74 on the PDF for Muzzleloader Bear tables.
Hunting in Colorado is a unique opportunity that most out of state residents only get once or twice in their lifetime. Given that these hunts are so difficult to draw for we often get questions regarding the best muzzleloaders and gear to use in Colorado. We have compiled our top recommended muzzleloaders and supplies that will work for any Colorado hunt and ensure you have the best chances of success when out in the field.
Overall Best Setup
CVA Accura LR-x - .50 Caliber
Williams Gun Sight Company - Western Precision Sight Set
Hornady Bore Driver FTX - 290 Grain
Best Bang For-Your-Buck
Traditions Pursuit VAPR XT - .50 Caliber
We recommend using the Hornady Bore Driver FTX bullets for this rifle as well.
This information is subject to change, for more information visit: Colorado Parks & Wildlife
HAVE COLORADO MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON QUESTIONS?
Muzzleloader Hunting season is the best for low-pressure hunting and plentiful wildlife. If you are new to muzzleloaders or would like more information on your state's muzzleloader hunting regulations, make sure to give us a call. Muzzle-Loaders.com is focused on promoting black powder hunting in all 50 states and can help you determine when your particular state's hunting season starts. If you have questions about Colorado Muzzleloader Hunting Season, please call us at 1-855-236-5000 or email us at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.
