The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has officially approved the use of the Federal Premium FireStick system and compatible rifles, such as the Traditions NitroFire, CVA Crossfire, and Thompson/Center Encore, for its upcoming muzzleloader hunting seasons.
The Commission approved this change in March, effective for the 2026-2027 hunting season.
“We applaud Texas for changing its definition of a muzzleloader, expanding it to include newer technology where the powder is encased and charged from the breech, while the projectile is still loaded through the muzzle,” said Jon Zinnel, Federal Ammunition’s Director of Community Relations. “The update aims to provide hunters with more reliable and safer equipment options, particularly in damp or rainy conditions where traditional loose powder can be compromised.”
The announcement came as good news to Traditions, which manufactures the NitroFire muzzleloader and other rifles. According to a Traditions statement, “This decision provides hunters with access to innovative technology that increases safety, confidence and reliability in the field. Traditions believes this move will help expand participation in muzzleloader seasons by making the experience more approachable for both seasoned and new hunters alike.
“The FireStick system represents a major advancement in muzzleloading,” the company said ina news release. “While still loading the bullet from the muzzle, the Firestick is loaded from the breach area. With safety being paramount, this technology provides consistency in powder charges, prevention of double loading, and the ability to remove the powder charge with ease. In addition, users will experience improved consistency, reliability, and accuracy.”
Federal’s FireStick is a patented muzzleloading propellant system that is safer and easier to use than traditional 209 inline muzzleloader systems. The primary benefits of the FireStick are best-in-class safety, followed by convenience, consistent accuracy, ease of cleaning, and simplicity of use.
Traditions’ NitroFire® muzzleloader was the first muzzleloader designed to be compatible with the FireStick system and was introduced in 2020. Since then, Traditions has continued to innovate, introducing in 2025 the NitroBolt®— the world’s first bolt-action muzzleloader designed with the FireStick technology, the company said.
“Arizona also recently added the Firestick to its list of legal firearms for muzzleloading hunting,” noted Federal’s Zinnel. “Now, with 30-plus states, more than half of the United States has legalized this revolutionary muzzleloader ignition system.”
“We are thrilled that Texas has accepted the technology.” said Alison Hall, Marketing Manager of Traditions Firearms. “This is an exciting and important step forward for the muzzleloading community in that state.
Hunters will also continue to see an affiliation with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, which has been instrumental in the legislative process to authorize the new FireStick in many states. This partnership will raise awareness of this important organization and support its dedication to protecting and enhancing the way of life of hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and trappers nationwide.
Learn more at: FireStick (federalpremium.com).
