Question:
I plan on hunting a lot this year with a recently acquired muzzleloader and need to know the official regs for a "loaded and unloaded" gun. I've been told that as long as no cap is in place, the gun is considered unloaded since the cap is needed to charge/fire the gun.

Answer:
You are correct. As long as the cap is removed so the gun will not fire, it is considered unloaded.