
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, May 13, 1990                   TAG: 9007070212
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C-13   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Bill Cochran
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

LOADS CAN'T BE `DOCTORED'

The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has given hunters a more liberal muzzle-loading season, but it has restricted the type equipment that can be used

It has designated that a single lead projectile of the same caliber as the rifle must be used during the special season. This prohibits the use of a sabot or carrier-type projectile, which is a small-caliber projectile fitted in a bushing to create higher-than normal velocities.

Game officials said a sabot gives shooters an advantage beyond the intent of the primitive firearms season.

Also spelled out in the new regulations, it will be unlawful for a muzzle loader to have any other firearm in his possession while hunting.

As in the past, telescopic sights are not permitted during the special season. Muzzle-loading guns must be 45 caliber or larger and loaded with at least 50 grains of black powder of black powder equivalent.

Such guns must be single shot and loaded from the muzzle. They can be flintlock or percussion.

by CNB