Why It Matters: A new technology known as “the Firestick” has created a safer, more user-friendly and consistent platform for muzzleloader hunters. As muzzleloading seasons open in the Northeast in the coming weeks, hunters have more options on how to ethically and safely harvest from afield as technology advances, but in states like Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut they still need final approval before utilizing the newest systems.
Highlights:
- 27 states currently have legalized the use of the Firestick during regular muzzleloading seasons (as per Muzzle-loaders.com).
- Connecticut is the only state in the Northeast that has not legalized or started reviewing regulations for the Firestick.
- Muzzleloading seasons start in the upcoming weeks across the Northeast.
Traditions Performance Firearms joined the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) at this year’s National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Summit in Baton Rouge, LA and showcased the new Firestick technology to state legislators, agency staff and other non-profit conservation groups. These demonstrations focused on the safety, convenience, and consistency of muzzleloading with this new technology.
Safety is of the utmost importance while hunting. As traditional muzzleloading hunters and enthusiasts know, a muzzleloader must be discharged or have the primer removed to be considered “unloaded” before transporting or storing their firearm. The firestick system allows the entire charge to be removed when finished afield without requiring the firearm to be shot or left partially loaded.
Northeast hunting regulations are regularly re-examined and the distance from a road or residence that a firearm may be discharged or even “loaded” is a foremost question for legislators. The firestick makes it more manageable and safer for hunters to follow these guidelines.
As a Connecticut based company, Traditions is exploring and innovating technologies that use components like the Firestick but has yet to get approval from Connecticut to use the product for regular muzzleloading hunting season in their native territory. CSF looks forward to working with the Connecticut Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and legislators in the Nutmeg State, along with agency staff, and our partners at Traditions to educate them on new methods as a safe and user-friendly method of muzzleloading.
