New adult hunter, muzzleloader or modern

[JasonG]

I have been on the fence about hunting most of my life . I spend most of my free time in the mountains/ woods. I did not come from a hunting family so I have no experience to speak of. I offent follow game trails and hike off trail looking for animals. I'm wanting to close the gap in how I get my meat by getting it myself . To go through the process and learn all about the physical and emotional value that comes with hunting. I have narrowed the methods down to either muzzleloader or modern firearm for deer or elk. I did not choose archery do to the amount of variables that could go wrong. Not that it can't happen with any of the methods. Just looking for advice to sway me one way or the other. Thank you in advance. Jason

[blackpowderhunter]

Buy both, get proficient with both and that will give you more options every year.
I usually muzzleload hunt, but at times have drawn the multi season tag allowing me to hunt archery and get out there with my rifle as well.
Another thing to consider is other things pop up in life.  If something comes up that won't allow you time away from home during one of the seasons, you always have the other to purchase a tag for if you haven't already purchased your modern or muzzle loader tag.
Both have pro's and con's for sure.
Where about do you live? east/west side? any plans to hunt a specific side of the state?
Do you currently own any rifles/ have you shot rifles before?

[theleo]

Get in contact with members near you that have both and see if they'll meet up with you at a rifle range so you can give both a try. One gives you an advantage of more options for seaesons and generally fewer hunters, the other gives you more range and the ability for faster follow up shots. I own a muzzy, a modern rifle, and bow to cover all the bases.

[JasonG]

I have several rifles 22s, 556, 12 gauge short barrel. These guns are more for target / personal defense. I was thinking 308 or 30 06 for my first hunting rifle. I live in issaquah but most of the time I find myself in the teanaway area or stampede pass. I enjoy the eastern side of the cascades more. There is less people and the terrain is easier to find sign, sheds etc..

[theleo]

It's the middle of hunting season so lots of guys are out hunting. Around the beginning of the year  most are pretty well done and I'm sure someone would be happy to meet up with you for some range time to make the decision easier for you.

[BigGoonTuna]

muzzleloader hunting is very enjoyable if you can hunt a unit that's open in the late season.  i get to be out in the woods between late november-mid december, and there's few people out there.  i can never get into the warm weather deer hunting thing, if i was limited to the 10 day early season at the beginning of october i would go back to modern rifle for sure.

[usmc74]

I'm in North Bend, if you want to try some muzzy or rifle

Belong to Snoqualmie range and Cascade range.

I have hunted primarily with bow, but have moved to muzzy and rifle as my shoulders aged.

Each has it's own advantages and dis-advantages.

Can't go wrong with 308 or 30-06.  Ammo is easier to find

[fish vacuum]

Go with the one that has the best (longer or later) season for the area you want to hunt. And put in for multi season so you can do both.