HF 2058 (LSB 5078YH (3) 87)

HOUSE FILE 2058

BY  PRICHARD

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the use of a muzzleloading rifle, musket, or pistol when taking deer.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 481A.48, Code 2018, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  7.  The commission shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A that allow for the taking of deer by the use of a muzzleloading rifle or musket of not less than .30 caliber and not larger than .775 caliber, capable of shooting only single projectiles, and for the use of a muzzleloading pistol that is not less than .44 caliber, capable of shooting only single projectiles.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to the size of caliber that may be used during the muzzleloader deer season. Under the bill, the natural resource commission is required to adopt rules pursuant to Code chapter 17A that allow for the taking of deer by the use of a muzzleloading rifle or musket of not less than .30 caliber and not larger than .775 caliber, shooting only single projectiles, and for the use of a muzzleloading pistol that is not less than .44 caliber, shooting only single projectiles.
   Currently, if a muzzleloading rifle or musket is used during deer season, the muzzleloading rifle or musket must not be less than .44 caliber and not larger than .775 caliber, and only capable of shooting single projectiles. The bill does not modify the caliber requirements of a muzzleloading pistol to hunt deer but does codify the current rule in 571 IAC 94.7 that establishes the size of the caliber for the muzzleloading pistol at .44 caliber or larger, and capable of shooting only single projectiles.