Pennsylvania Game News- June 2009 - 60

mixture of black powder and patched-lead roundballs; it fired the imagination of what’s become nearly 200,000 hunters who buy muzzleloader licenses each year. In October and late December, Pennsylvania’s “primitive” hunters pursue whitetails each year, and although they might not think about what motivated that first season back in 1974, the fact that the special deer season still exists speaks volumes. And although the muzzleloading season has progressed over the years, the idea of “making meat the old-fashioned way,” with one carefully loaded and well-aimed, single shot, still motivates hunters to take the challenge. There are currently a half-dozen brand names of black powders and another dozen replica powders available for sportsmen to use. Open iron sights, fiber optic sights and peep sights grace the octagon and round barrels of flintlocks, while optical sights, with their myriad reticles and powers of magnification dazzle one’s imagination with modern in-lines. Adding further to the confusion, the sky is the limit when it comes to choices for bullets. With so many variables distracting the hunters away from the time-proven powder, patch and ball, it’s no wonder that new hunters are downright apprehensive to get into the game. There is hope, though — the hunters’ rendezvous. The Pennsylvania Federation of Black Powder Shooters, Inc. publishes a directory (570-275-4349) of 32 clubs with more than 200 shoots statewide. They run from Janu- ary through December, and they range from small “bring yer gun” casual shooting types, to weekend encampments that encourage primitive camping, clothing and gear. Why go to a blackpowder shoot? What can it do that a DVD, magazine or TV show won’t accomplish? A blackpowder shoot provides invaluable hands-on experience. The moment you walk to the line, you’ll be joining new friends who started out the same way you did — full of doubt and anxiety. Muzzleloader enthusiasts are a friendly group of people who can’t wait to share what they know and get you started in a safe direction. If you don’t own a muzzleloader and are curious about possibly getting started in this sport, there is always a “beginner’s bench” where a friendly range officer will match you up with an experienced shooter, some powder and bullets. Safety is paramount at these shoots, and you’ll certainly learn methods of safe shooting. Readers of this column know that I like to put lots of technical stuff out there for people to digest, but this month is different. It’s an appeal to those who are already hunting with muzzleloaders, or thinking about getting into the sport, to increase their knowledge, accuracy and lethality when hunting whitetails. For example, could you answer the questions: “Is FFFg better than FFg black powder?” An experienced rendezvouser could. Or, “Will a thicker patch make my flintlock shoot a roundball better than a thin patch?” With help from experienced shooters, you just might be surprised just how accurate and lethal your flintlock, percussion or in-line can be. What is a local black powder shoot like? In a word, fun. While strict safety rules are enforced, such as ear and eye protection, IF YOU DON’T own a muzzleloader and are curious about the sport, there is always a “beginner’s bench” where a friendly range officer will match you up with an experienced shooter, some powder and bullets. 60 GAME NEWS guncol.pmd 60 04/27/2009, 10:17 AM

Pennsylvania Game News- June 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Game News- June 2009