RE: shotgun or muzzleloading
I would go with the muzzleloader. I hunted one yearhere in Wi with a shotgun and I will never do it again (long story). I have 3 muzzleloaders and I love all 3. The cleaning with the new inlines is very easy and with a good load you can shoot 200 yards. As far as follow up shots go muzzleloaders just force you to make the first shot count.