This year for the first time we can use non-magnified scopes during our muzzle loader season. When the game commission voted to allow non-magnified optics, immediately i mounted a 1X scope on my rifle. So far 2 deer have fallen with the help of the 1X scope. The scope allows me to shoot far more accurately than i was able, using iron sights. Shooting using a standard rear sight was virtually impossible, so i always used a peep sight. Not having to focus on the rear sight was very very helpful, but focusing on the front sight was so very difficult for me. Not having to squint so to see the front sight, is quite nice.

Using the 1X scope isn't near as nice as using a magnified scope. Sighting through the scope is kinda like looking through a straw. However, having the sight and the target at the same focal point is a very wonderful thing when one sees through old eyes. This year i have enjoyed the muzzle loader season far more than past seasons because of being able to see the sights.

In past years i have hunted the regular big game seasons using my muzzle loader. The reason i did, was because i could use a scope during the rifle season. Seeing the sights on the muzzle loader was great fun, so i used the muzzle loader, when i could have used a breech loader. Now that i can see the sights during muzzle loader season, i will probably use a breech loader during the regular big game season.