Why do you hunt with ML?

[JeffRaines]

Forgive me if my post sounds short-sighted - this is a question I've been pondering for a little bit now.

What is the main draw of ML hunting? I realize some people probably just enjoy it more than rifle or bow. I know a lot of people like archery elk due to the season coinciding with the rut. Seems like early archery for deer is nicer weather, less cagey animals, etc. On paper, and with my very limited knowledge, it seems like ML gets the short end of the stick.

I have a quality elk tag to focus on this season, but perhaps next season(or if I run across a good deal) I may pick up a ML and give it a shot!

[dylanb]

not as many people compared to rifle, not as hot but usually not terrible rains . guys like archery hunting but cant shoot a bow

[steeleywhopper]

 Archery season weather but you get to shoot bullets.

[Kazekurt]

Honestly, I hunt with all three weapons most years( Multi tags, out-of-state hunts)  but there are a few things that I like about the ML.  Generally speaking, there is less traffic during the muzzle season than the modern season.  I also kind of like that you just never know what it's going to happen with a muzzleloader. I have made some amazing stalks only to pop a cap without igniting the charge; I've had a cap just not pop and had to attempt the mad scramble to get a new one on, etc.  There is also nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of missing a shot and scrambling to ram another charge down to get a second opportunity or The sinking feeling of missing a shot and  watching a big buck run off knowing that there is not another round ready to be levered in.In my opinion, the muzzle loader is far and away the most frustrating  weapon of the three but  I kind of enjoy the challenge.   I also like that it incorporates a lot of the tactics needed for archery, but still gives you  A bit of range if you need it.  If you've spent a lot of years hunting, sometimes you just need  some variety because a rifle is brutally efficient.

[bobcat]

The main reason for me is less people. I also enjoy the challenge but mostly when I hunt with a muzzleloader it's to avoid the crowds. Although, during elk season it can still be crowded, depending on where you go. Go deer hunting in a place where there are few elk, or elk season isn't open at the same time, and you'll have the woods to yourself. I like the early seasons the best, late season I'd rather be hunting with a bow because muzzleloaders and rain just are not a good combination.

[Rainier10]

I honestly believe it is the best combination of season and technology.  I think the timing is great for the elk rut.  I think the timing is great for the deer not being too spooky.  I think there are fewer hunters than with archery or modern.  And I think you have the best chance to still reach out and touch one with a muzzy.  You can shoot 150 yards if you have to.

I absolutely love the challenge of archery hunting.  I think if harvesting an animal more consistently was important to me I would switch to muzzy.

[ghosthunter]

Less folks

[dscubame]

No orange required is one reason I like it.

[biggfish]

I got tired of setting up in the pumpkin patch so I switched to archery. Last year I was injured and unable to hunt. Now due to shoulder and back injuries I'm having trouble with my draw, so I bought a muzzle loader.

Sent from my LG-K425 using Tapatalk

[Mfowl]

I began my big game hunting career with ML and mainly to hunt elk. I chose it for the reasons already stated, less people, good season timing. I also enjoy getting close to game and interacting in calling scenarios. I hunt all 3 weapon types now and will continue to do so but ML will always be the front runner. I am committed to archery elk this year but have an MS deer tag so I'll still get the smokepole out for atleast 1 weekend.

[JeffRaines]

I got tired of setting up in the pumpkin patch so I switched to archery. Last year I was injured and unable to hunt. Now due to shoulder and back injuries I'm having trouble with my draw, so I bought a muzzle loader.

Sent from my LG-K425 using Tapatalk

Sorry to hear that. Hope you get one this year!

[usmc74]

After about 30 years of bow hunting, the shoulders just don't like it anymore.  The muzzy is sort of like a long range bow.  Same camo, less people (sort of), no orange.  It just sucks that the deer and elk are in the same week.

[BoomWhop]

I love to shoot them. I love the huge cloud and flame shooting out 6 feet out of the barrel. I love how easy it is to totally blow a golden opportunity on big game. Huge buck or bull and the cap goes click instead of boom.     you get to carry a purse with all kinds of neat stuff. What other weapon do you have a legitimate reason to carry lube and bore butter.  You have not lived until you get the ramrod stuck down the barrel in front of your friends, or even better when everyone at the range is done and waiting for you to shoot and the cap goes bang...but the gun does not. "Don't worry boys, go check your targets this happens every now and then"  epic fun times. 

I love to hunt in the snow, fewer crazy unsafe people. No one using their scope to see what you are, no bullets flying over my truck or deer/elk stumbling with their tongues out because they have been pushed for miles.

[JeffRaines]

Why do you guys recommend for powders? I've been looking around online and it seems like triple 7 and pyrodex get a lot of love(for the northwest). Is there anything else that works with musket caps that I've overlooked?

[RatRodMike]

I agree with all the reasons above.  Still my main reason is simply that I got bit back in '89 by getting my first elk with a smoke pole.  Now it's just now I hunt.