What do you guys feel about muzzleloader hunting?
 

I want a better understanding!

The atmosphere is much nicer than the regular gun season - much less craziness. I like it. It is a nice extension to my season!

Simply put......I love hunting with the smokepole !!!

Weird.....

First... I agree with MZS... But it is a bit more complicated that just that.

Second... Do you know that there is a forum on this site that addresses this specifically?
Black Powder

Third... It's a pretty broad question. Maybe some more detail about what you want to "understand" may help others answer more specifically.

Wtf do you mean" what do I feel about it"

My muzzle season is between bow and rifle. After I stick a few nannys with arrows I sit back a little further and start targeting some horns. I am good to 250 with it.

I like it.....

I even hunt with my flintlocks during the regular season...

What I enjoy about hunting with a ML is reaching back in time somewhat. I often use an older Lyman slow twist (round ball) cap-lock, open sights. My eyes are not so good now , plus the challenge of maintaining a consistent muzzle velocity with patch and ball, at least for me, ... limits my shots to 75 yards max. So , sort of like archery hunting ... have to get pretty close. Then of course ML hunting is a one-shot deal almost every time. I don't get up in the period garb like some I used to hunt with, but I do like using the Lyman.

Having said that I also hunt with a Savage 10ML and I use smokeless powder. This is a whole 'nother world from the Lyman. Distances to 200-250 yards ... not a problem with proper elevation adjustments. The rifle is easy to load consistently and the Barnes sabot s I use fly great, therefore groups are superb. And it has a good scope mounted on it. About the only challenge left is making a one shot kill .... which frankly I try to do anyway regardless what I happen to be hunting with.

I bought an Encore about 5-7 years ago and after shooting and seeing how accurate it was and the improved range over my shotgun that is all I carry, even during our firearms season. Indiana never allowed any high powered riffles so it was muzzle loader or slug gun. Now they allow some rifles, but only the ones that shoot the rounds similar to handgun rounds. Still not what I consider high power rifles. So if I have my choice between a shotgun that I usually shoot 75- maybe 100 yards or my encore that I can shoot out to 200 yards (some shoot further) Ill take the muzzle loader.

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!

Thanks guys!!

Oh come on man. Get in touch with your inner feelings.

Well, I've shot elk, mulies, whitetails, pronghorns, and hogs with my .54. I've hunted ducks, geese, grouse, pheasants, quail, rabbits and squirrel with a black powder 12 ga. So I guess you could say I like it.

i like .

First nothing.. then a sharp kick in my shoulder.. then nothing again...

For many years all I deer hunt with during the 2 week firearm season and the 3 weeks of muzzle loader season it is all I use,
I have several center fires from 243 to 300 win mags I could use. I just happen to like the muzzle loaders.

:D Al

Im hard core bow hunter, but when gun season rears its ugly head Im out with my TC Omega. :D Popped a few coyotes last year with it also.