I shot a small buck last year with the muzzleloader at about 15 yards - about an hour into opening day. I saw him from a good distance away and stalked right up to him. There was a strong wind and he was facing directly away from me. I suspect I could have walked right up to him because he never once turned around, but I took my time and actually got very nervous because of the long wait.

I actually got so nervous I didn't feel comfortable shooting offhand and used a tree as a rest. Fortunately this turned out to be a bang-flop situation, but I honestly think I might have missed if I had to shoot that one offhand.