Yesterday was the first day of Ft. Sill deer muzzleloader season. The first week is conventional muzzleloaders only. No sabots or scopes allowed.

Except for a two hour period i hunted all day. Watched a game trail all morning and saw nothing. By mid afternoon it was very windy with some rain showers. Hunted against the wind for most of the afternoon. Saw one nice 12 point buck that apparently saw me first. He stood up out of the brush and weeds and booked. Never had a chance to shoot.

After the front passed through the wind died down and it became calm. At 5 p.m. i got into a treestand and stayed there until 7:30. The elk were calling after about 6 p.m. A cow and bull were about 200 yards away but i never saw either.

That TC New Englander is the most awkward gun i ever hunted with. Its very muzzle heavy: Had to carry it in the crook of the arm which i don't like to do. i could add some weight to the inside of the Tupperware stock: Then the thing would be stock and muzzle heavy, i don't like heavy guns for still hunting. After deer season is over 5-6" of the barrel and under rib are going away.

i'm hunting again this afternoon.

Good luck this afternoon. Maybe you can find that 12 pt. again.

While the New Englander is heavy in the front, it sits nice on rested shots. Lets hope that nice buck comes back and gives you a chance to try all over again. Good luck on the hunt.