We recently talked about this topic on our blog and thought it would be worth talking about again on here. The state that we live in, which is Utah has something that is called the "Dedicated Hunter Program." And what this program does is allow you to hunt all three seasons - Bow, Muzzleloader and Rifle. There are certain requirements that you have to meet in order to be able to participate in this program such as volunteer and do community service. I personally think that it's a great program that the Utah DWR offers. We're not sure what other states offer but we're fairly certain that there are similar programs like this in other states.

Usually bow hunters, muzzleloaders and rifle hunters get into arguments about which one is better than the other and which season dates the other one should have or shouldn't have. I happen to think that the Utah DWR does a fairly decent job with their season dates. Bow hunters here get almost a month to hunt elk and deer plus an extended late season during the mule deer rut in certain areas. They can also harvest a cow elk or a spike bull elk during their hunt. While at the same time be hunting a mule deer buck. That's 3 separate animals that they can hunt at the same time. I think that's pretty lucky. And the fact that there are 10x less hunters in the field when they're out hunting. Muzzleloaders and Rifle hunters do have the long shot advantage though that has definitely paid off for me over the past 17+ years that I've been hunting big game.

So of course there are pros and cons to all types of hunting. Even if you're out there hunting with a spear in hand. The fact of the matter is that we're all on the same team and we're all trying to achieve the same goal.

So we want to hear from you. How is it in your state when it comes to bow, muzzleloader and rifle hunting? Good or Bad? And what's your opinion on this subject?

Be safe and good hunting my friends.

Jason Wall - Rifle Scopes Pro Staff Member