In South Dakota, one is not permitted to use a scoped muzzleloader rifle for big game hunting. While most states permit a scope on muzzleloaders, that doesn’t necessarily make it right. SDG-F&P’s rationale is that a muzzleloader hunt should be a primitive experience. I understand their thinking, but I believe that this rule isn’t in the best interest of our hunters or the game we pursue.

I was recently approached by a senior hunter whose eyes, like those of most seniors, have succumbed to age. He much enjoys muzzleloader black powder hunting, and he isn’t about to quit. For fear of wounding a deer, he is defying the law and using a scoped rifle. I do not advocate breaking the law, but he has a valid point. I wish to make two points.

First, I believe that SDGF&P sees the late muzzleloader season (it opens December 1st) as a deer management tool. I say this as antlerless muzzleloader tags are unlimited. I get a muzzleloader antlerless tag every year, and I too fear wounding a deer. For this reason, many seniors have quit muzzleloader hunting, and I’m considering the same. Is this what SDGF&P wants? I think not.

Second, even if the law were changed, those who wish to hunt with a primitive open site muzzleloader may do so. This presents a challenge as one must get closer to the deer. In the past, I have limited myself to a maximum range of 50 yards. This winter I may have to close that distance.

Julie Bartling was recently appointed to the SD Game, Fish, & Parks commission. She is a former student of mine, and I will personally present this issue to her. I can and will respect her viewpoint, and I’ll know that a commissioner considered my thinking. Whether you agree with my thoughts or not, let a commissioner know your feelings.

I wrote about chronic waste disease last week, but this follow-up is important. If you have a deer tag for the coming SD season, you recently received a card in the mail from SDGF&P concerning Chronic Waste Disease or CWD. The card mentioned “the new statewide carcass transportation and disposal requirements” without stating what the new rules were, and I found it a bit confusing. I called Chad Switzer of SDGF&P for clarification.

If you take your deer carcass to a meat processing facility, the waste including bones etc. must be disposed of in a permitted land fill by the proprietor. The same applies to taxidermists. If you and/or friends process the deer, the excess waste must be taken to a permitted land fill. SDGF&P advises leaving your deer’s head at a checkpoint station to be tested for CWD. For locations, see the map at gfp.sd.gov/ chronic-wasting-disease.

In talking with Mr. Switzer about my coming Wyoming elk hunt, he told me it was permissible to transport my elk carcass across South Dakota. He also told me that there were areas in Wyoming where CWD positive elk carcasses ran as high as fifty percent. I certainly find this troubling.

A while back I wrote about guns as an investment. Though I’m no expert, I’ve collected a few guns over the years, and I’ve kept my eyes and ears open at gun shows. Many Colts and Winchesters were and are desirable and sought after. For many, they have become cost prohibitive. Smith & Wesson handguns and Marlin lever-action rifles also fall into this too pricey range. I’ve been asked for my opinion on what make and model might be a “sleeper” in today’s market. If I had to pick one gun, I’d suggest the Model 1899 Savage lever-action rifle.

The Savage Model 99 was years ahead of rival Winchester and Marlin. Rather than Marlin and Winchester’s tubular magazine where only round-nose ammo could be used, the M99 has a six-shot rotary magazine in the receiver that enables the use of pointed spritzer bullets that don’t rest against the primer of the adjacent round. The Model 99 also offered side ejection which enabled the use of a scope - a feature not found on Winchester’s Model 94.

The Model 99 readily handled high pressure smokeless powder rounds such as the .300 Savage, a round that compares favorably to the .308 Winchester. The 99’s assortment of available calibers also far surpasses the competition. Model 99’s, especially the breakdown models, are sought after, but not to the extent of Winchester and Marlin lever guns. If you like vintage rifles that you can shoot and hunt with, keep an eye peeled for a Savage 99…..especially the early models.

See you next week.