This muzzle loader seasonhas beenslow for me, have yet to see any deer until last night. Yesterday was the last day of ML in Maryland, antlerless only. It was raining most of the day, let up about 1 hour before sunset. I usually use a tree stand, but decided tohike in an set up on the ground.

A bit before sunset I see a good size spike heading towards me. He ends up standing 5 yards in front of me, perfectly broadside, never sees me. This seems to always happen, seeing only bucks within easy shooting distance whenit is illegal to take them, almost like they know somehow that they are safe from hunters. Well, at least I saw a deer last night!

Rick C.

Oh do I hear you! Last year I hunted our early ML season with an antlerless only tag. In the morning, I had a 6 point spend about 30 minutes in front of me at anywhere from 15-30 yards out.The lastevening I saw the biggest buck (a 10 point)I have ever seen while hunting. Stopped at 40 yards and chewed his cud a bit before moving on. All I could do was sit and grin and enjoy the show. Never did see a doe during the 2 1/2 days we hunted.