James I can cartainly understand such brainless philosophy on behalf of the masterminds in Govt. I ask this, how would the typical game warden know WHAT powder you were shooting? Have you ever heard of anyone being checked strictly for their muzzleloader powder? Do most game wardens even care? I know in TN there is a minimum of 24 caliber for centerfires, but I have NEVER had a game warden tell me they ever checked or even cared about such trivial details. There are several 22s on the market that are MUCH more effective than a 243.

If I were you and had a Savage, I wouldnt hesitate to empty the Pyrodex container and refill it with your favorite smokeless and GO HUNTING! Theres sensible rules and mgmt regulations and seasons that make sense. But nitpicking weapons, tactics and equipment is simple hogwash IMO. To heck with beauracratic lardbutts who wouldnt know a sabot from a croisant. James the simple fact that they outlawed scopes on smokepoles is enough " traditionalness" if you ask me. Heck I even have quick detach scope mounts on my Knight, but must admit I only muzzleload in TN where they are legal. I cant understand why a state that would bother hendering their hunters with such boosheut regulations as blackpowder only and no scopes, why dont they just go ahead and make it strictly primitive and require flintlocks only? I' ll tell you why, because they know that the majority of people wouldnt then bother shooting the old POS. Like you said, most muzzleloading seasons are simply for extra antlerless removal anyway. The majority of deer populations are becoming/already are practically nuisance levels anyway, whats a higher kill rate gonna do other than help the carrying capacity of the land? And as in the case of hunters like James, it actually encourages participation and promotes " equality" amongh hunters who couldnt otherwise use traditional equipment.

Soap and water? Thats for washin my arse, NOT my guns!!!
RA