The idea behind the early muzzleloader season is to thin the does before the rut and before food sources become scarce. I remember reading the scientific reasons for this when PA implemented an early doe season. I have a few problems with it. First, my home is out in the woods and I am not a big fan of any type of rifle hunting, muzzleloading or not. I do like that they are single shot. Second, why close the archery season for this week? If the muzzleloading season must happen, I would say start it the last week of September before the opening of archery season.

The idea of opening the first day of firearms on a Saturday is down right scary. As it is now, first day on State land is already pretty close to unsafe. If you get a few more hunters out because of the weekend start we may end up with more "accidents"

What is the link to the NYB? I would like to join the discussion and try to alter these proposed regs. Thanks