Share your ml experience on animals.

I grew up hunting in Bruce township, wmu 84. Some 30 years ago In my early 20’s I hunted in the inaugural muzzleloader hunt in that area and a great many since. It was around 2003-2004 from my recollection and our area was not the first to have a season but fairly close as it expanded if I recall correctly.

Lake Huron rod & gun brought in supplies and provided introductory advice to would be purchasers. In-lines wouldn’t come along for several years at least. I purchased a percussion cap .50 safari arms hawken style rifle which is still in my gun cabinet today. Ball and patch on top of 100 grains of black powder was my go-to.

Deer hunting was excellent in Wmu 84 in the 90’s and action was to be expected. We drove deer, hunted from tree stands and generally chased them the same way we did every rifle season at the time. Those are great memories of fun times afield. Every season was a balance of success stories and tales of mishaps and misfires. We all learned the ropes together through trial and error. Preseason range days were a lot of laughs and a big part of the fun.

I witnessed a lot of deer fall to the round ball. I shot 7 deer with my old safari firing ball & patch and had 7 pass throughs. An efficient deer load within 75 yards I consider the set up superior to a sighted smooth bore shotgun with slug for sure.

Fast forward to today I don’t participate in the late season muzzleloader hunt nearly as much anymore. I own a Tc omega now with a stainless barrel and composite stock but when I do get a chance to hunt I find the nostalgia of the old equipment adds an enjoyment to muzzleloading. Come hunting season I tote the old gun more often than not and stuff a ball & patch down the barrel.