To be honest, this doesn't suprise me...The early muzzleloading seasons were started in most states back in the '60s, usually by members of the NMLRA....Back thendeer herds were small and these guys just wanted a little time to themselves to try their hand at deer...

Look at today, most deer herds (certainly in the South) are booming, last year here in NC we had free, unlimited doe tags and yet we still killed more bucks than does...Guys, the law makers are catching heat from the insurance companies to reduce the herd side and frankly it isn't happening...

Most "muzzleloader hunters", now shoot inlines that are scoped and accurate to a good 150 yards...Some even say to 200 or better, and they want a "special time" to hunt with their "primitive weapon"...

Add in that hunter numbers are down in most states and this was going to happen sooner or later...