Last year, I did a still hunt on public land with my ML in December - not another hunter around! Don't think I even heard a shot. That is what I mean by "better atmosphere". Almost got my deer too, but even though I did not, it was great. I have used mine during regular season as well when my son had my regular deer rifle. The only drawback, really, is that you must clean the barrel at the end of day if it has been shot and do a pretty darned good cleaning after the season. Love the sight of fire and smoke coming out of the end!