dstubb,

I live & hunt in Ohio and I would highly recommend getting a muzzleloader. I hunted with a shotgun for years, bought a ML several years ago and haven't touched my shotgun for deer hunting since then. Here are the pros of a ML over a shotgun for deer hunting in Ohio:

1. 2 seasons instead of 1 - and I've found that there are far less hunters in the woods during the late ML season.

2. Longer range - good quality ML's with the right load can shoot out to 200+ yards. Shotguns, even with rifled barrels usually max out at about 120 - 150 yards.

3. A lot more fun to shoot (my opinion).

4. You can tailor a specific load to your gun and your hunting style, whereas with a shotgun you basically are limited to what boxes of ammo your local gun store is selling.

5. Cost is comparable or cheaper, depending. I bought a $120 CVA muzzleloader, put a $50 scope on it and have spent maybe a total of $50 on other accessories for it = $220. I can regularly shoot 1.5 - 1.75" groups at 100 yards, and feel very confident shooting out to 175 yards or so. I've taken 2 deer at over 100 yards, both boom-flops.

I don't think you'll regret getting a ML if you decide to go that route.