Boy this post was interesting reading. I agree with Cayugad that the state(s) shouldn't change past practice if it effects the hunters. Why not do what PA did? Many years ago they started a TRADITIONAL MUZZLELOADER Season. You could only use (and still can only use) a rifle of .44 cal or larger, buckhorn type sights and flintlock ignition. Originally they required the use of patch and ball only but changed to use of any projectile. A couple of years ago when the game commission decided to reduce the herd the opened up an early muzzleloader season which allows the use of any muzzleloader .44 cal or larger. This included inlines, percussion sidelocks and flinters. The season goes from Saturday to Saturday in October and overlaps the archery season and is for anterless only with the proper anterless license. This seemed to satisfy everyone - except the deer.