Oregon Muzzleloader Hunting Season - Regulations & Dates

Updated 3/13/2023 - In Oregon a muzzleloader is defined as follows:

Definintion: "Muzzleloader" is any single barreled (shotguns may be double barreled) long gun meant to be fired from the shoulder and loaded from the muzzle with open or peep sights. This includes: in-line percussion; sidelock, under-hammer, top-hammer and mule ear percussion; sidelock flintlock and wheelock ignition systems. Matchlock ignition systems are not allowed.

During muzzleloader-only seasons and 600 series hunts where there is a weapon restriction of shotgun/muzzleloader only or archery/muzzleloader only:

It is unlawful to:

• Use scopes (permanent or detachable).
• Use sights that use batteries, artificial light or energy except for visually impaired hunters with a permit (see pg 28). Open and peep sights are legal, including open and peep sights with fiber optics or fluorescent paint on them.
• Hunt with or have in possession while hunting, sabots or bullets with plastic or synthetic parts. Cloth, paper or felt patches are allowed.
• Hunt with centerfire primers or matchlock as an ignition source.
• Hut with pelletized powder or propellants. Granular (loose) black powder and black powder substitutes are the only legal propellants.
• Hunt with a revolving action muzzleloader.

During Any Legal Weapon and Western Gray Squirrel seasons, hunters may use muzzleloaders with any ignition type (except matchlock), any legal sight, any propellant, or any bullet type provided the weapon meets caliber restrictions for the species.

For muzzleloader-only seasons and 600 series hunts where there is a weapon restriction of shotgun/muzzleloader only or archery/muzzleloader only, the muzzleloader is NOT required to have an open ignition.

A muzzleloader is considered unloaded provided the ignition is not capped or primed.

Minimum Caliber Restrictions:

.40 caliber or larger - Deer, Pronghorn, Black Bear & Cougar

.50 caliber or lager - Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat

The above information comes directly from the Oregon Big Game Hunting Regulations Booklet for 2023.

The following table is a brief summary of the majority of different licenses and permits that are available. Detailed information can be found by looking at the regulations for the specific species that you are interested in.

OREGON MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON DATES

Please note there are also additional speciality hunts available for antlerless deer and opportunities for youth hunters only. For more information on those hunts be sure to check the Oregon Big Game Regulations for 2023.

Please note there are also Elk hunting opportunities for youth hunters only not listed in this article. For more information on those hunts be sure to check the Oregon Big Game Regulations for 2023.

Muzzleloader Controlled 400 Series Hunts - Pronghorn

Note: Hunts that are highlighted signify private lands in the unit will limit access for hunting. Do not apply for those hunts unless you have access to a place to hunt.

Please note there are also Pronghorn hunting opportunities for youth hunters only not listed in this article. For more information on those hunts be sure to check the Oregon Big Game Regulations for 2023.

This information is subject to change, for more information visit: Oregon Hunting Regulations 

Need help with your gear? Northwest hunting regulations can be confusing to understand, our team of specialists are trained and up to date on all of the latest hunting regulations. If you have questions please reach out to us on the phone at 855 236 5000 or via email at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.

To offer additional assistance we have selected some rifle models and supplies that are legal to hunt with in Oregon and that we recommend using for that purpose.

RECOMMENDED OREGON LEGAL MUZZLELOADERS

Below we have recommended the best options for any price point. These muzzleloaders are going to be the most reliable, accurate and consistent that comply with the strict Oregon muzzleloader regulations. You can also use a traditional side lock muzzleloader if you like (except those with a match lock ignition) during the Oregon muzzleloader seasons, however, we stuck with inlines as they tend to perform much better.

CVA Wolf V2 NW Legal - Budget Option

Traditions Buckstalker XT NW Legal - Budget Option

CVA Optima V2 NW Legal - Mid Range Option

Traditions Pursuit VAPR XT NW Legal - Mid Range Option

CVA Accura MR-X NW Legal - High End Option

RECOMMENDED OREGON LEGAL BULLETS

Note: Oregon does not allow ANY plastic on bullets during muzzleloader hunts that means sabots, Powerbelts and even ballistic tips are not allowed. For this reason we recommend one of the Thor Bullet options below.

247 Grain Thor - Deer	297 Grain Thor - Elk

RECOMMENDED OREGON SHOOTING/HUNTING SUPPLIES

When it comes to hunting in Oregon you have to keep in mind that there is significant diversity in climate, terrain and weather patterns across the state. Oregon spans a massive territory and ranges from coastal lowlands to dense rainforest up to towering mountain ranges and then into the vast and wide open high desert terrain that comprises about two-thirds of the state. If you are hunting in Oregon from out of state you will want to be sure you understand the terrain, climate and weather patterns of the area you are hunting. Even if you are an Oregon resident the same applies if you are hunting in new areas you may never have hunted in before.

For simplicity we have selected product recommendations that will work in any of the conditions you may find in Oregon. This will ensure you have reliable quality gear to capitalize on your hunting opportunity.

Triple 7 Powder	Schuetzen Musket Caps

Bullet Starter	4 - in - 1 Speed Loader

Possibles Bag	Range & Home Kit Bag

Quick Clean	Home Cleaning Kit

HAVE OREGON 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 Oregon Muzzleloader Hunting Season, please call us at 1-855-236-5000 or email us at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.