I have averaged one or two deer since 1975. Of those taken I have only killed 8 deer with cartridge guns. Six have been taken with archery equipment.The rest have been killed with muzzleloaders. I began hunting with primitive muzzle loaders in 1976 and the more I hunted with the muzzleloader the more I enjoyed it. In 1996 I began hunting exclusively with flintlocks. I built a 32 caliber for squirrel hunting and sometimes use a 62 caliber loaded with shot. Most of the time I use a 58 caliber for deer,bear and hogs although I have yet to get a bear. The people I hunt with are like, This guy is something else. He hunts with a flintlock and actually kills deer with it. The thing is, I don't sacrifice much. my rifles are accurate, reliable and hard hitting. A 60 year shot is a long shot in the kind of places that I like to hunt. I can reload and be ready for another shot in less than 15 seconds. I like that cloud of white smoke that comes out the muzzle when I fire. And Finally, I enjoy experimenting with different powder loads, patching materials and patch lubes. It is just plain fun for me.