Post by: Beastmonger1987 on June 30, 2025, 06:49:42 PM
So the good news with this tag is that I lived in the unit until this April (we moved to Port Orchard), I have some spots already to start with, and some local help as well. I would love to get some feedback on tactics, equipment, and a load for the muzzleloader. I want to do this tag justice, but I will be constrained by my job in November (I coach high school football) depending on how our season goes, so I am just smart enough to know I don't know anything about hunting blacktail deer in the rut! Before the new regulations, I would have definitely have considered baiting, but that tactic is now off the board.
I have a Thompson Center Omega .50 caliber muzzleloader with a Vortex 1x muzzleloader scope mounted. I am planning to sight it in dead on at 100 yards assuming my eyes cooperate. Any feedback using pellets and sabots would be greatly appreciated!
I plan to spend all day in the woods on the days I have available those first 12 days of November (I do not have a multi season tag) trying to find does. I do not have any experience stalking timber, so I was going to concentrate on areas I can see a good ways (clearcuts, power lines, fringes of timber) and hopefully spot and stalk. I was also going to purchase a rattle bag, and I have a grunt tube already to try rattling and calling (any feedback would be great).
Not sure if trying to use trail cameras without bait is worth the investment? :dunno:
I will be scouting with a rifle (bear hunting) throughout August and weekends in September / October.
Thanks again Hunt Washington Forum!
Post by: MADMAX on June 30, 2025, 06:58:59 PM
I roughed in mine and works
I still go hit the 100 yd at the range but this gets you very close
The "13-yard rule" is a technique used for sighting in muzzleloading rifles, particularly when using open sights. It involves zeroing your rifle at a target 13 yards away. When sighted in at this distance, the bullet's trajectory will be slightly high at 50 yards, near point of aim at 75 yards, and slightly low at 100 yards. This method simplifies the sighting-in process by providing a close-range reference point for adjustments.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Zeroing at 13 yards:
By adjusting the sights to hit the bullseye at 13 yards, you're essentially setting the rifle to compensate for the bullet's natural arc as it travels downrange.
Bullet trajectory:
A bullet fired from a muzzleloader, like any projectile, follows a parabolic path. It rises initially after leaving the barrel, reaches a peak, and then begins to drop due to gravity.
Benefits:
The 13-yard zero helps you understand how the bullet will impact at longer distances. It allows you to fine-tune your sights for longer ranges based on how the bullet impacts at the 13-yard zero and then at 50, 75, and 100 yards.
Effectiveness:
This technique works best with open sights and when you are familiar with your muzzleloader's performance. According to Whitetails Unlimited, the 13-yard rule is a useful method for muzzleloader hunters.
Hunting application:
By knowing how your rifle shoots at different distances with the 13-yard zero, you can make more accurate shots in the field, staying within your effective range
Post by: greenhead_killer on June 30, 2025, 08:32:48 PM
Post by: addicted1 on July 01, 2025, 08:09:10 AM
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on July 01, 2025, 08:40:45 AM
There is a ton of info on the forum already. Just look at sabotloader post and you’ll be fine.
:yeah:
Post by: Mtnwalker on July 01, 2025, 09:02:41 AM
Post by: addicted1 on July 01, 2025, 09:36:06 AM
You have a good tag, BT are tough if you haven’t hunted them before. But, you have the best dates to be hunting them. You can still use synthetic scents, lots of people have luck every year using them.