Shotgun or Muzzleloader

[Boomer-Indiana]

As a resident and hunter in a "no-rifle" state, I'm curious if anyone else has preferences for shotgun or muzzleloader when hunting White-tailed deer. Personally I prefer the smoke pole, finding the single shot more challenging, and really enjoy the added range it offers. But understanding new ballistics available in saboted shotgun slugs (Hornady SST for example), I would be interested in other opinions.

[Todd G.]

I went the muzzleloader way for several reasons. First, it allowed me to buy a new gun. But, there are other reasons.

When I decided to buy a ML, I purchased an in-line Thompson. It gives me range out to 150 yards, and possibly farther. Although, I have never used it beyond about 85 yards. Using Triple 7 and some of the bullets now available, it gave me all the range I needed.

From a cost standpoint, it isn't too much different than buying a rifled shotgun barrel.

Also, in many states, the use of a shotgun falls into the rifle season. So, you can only get a permit for the most competitive season. Then, you are "under gunned" in comaprison to all the rest of the hunters in that season. In contrast, the ML allows you to hunt the "primitive season" which is usually less competitive for permits. And, in most states, you can use it during the rifle season also.

[11-87rem]

I do a lot of deer hunting in Ohio. Your choice really depends on the type of shots you get. Here a lot of times deer are pushed and in heavily brushed hollows multiple shots are a definite possibility. Sometime after the initial shot a buck will stop. Hence I always carry my 11-87 semi. Now with the new bullets like the Corelock Ultra and the Hornady SST you can reach out accurately almost as far as your muzzleloader. For me it's the shotgun, handsdown. A challenge is nice until you mess up on a Boonie.

[midwest safari]

Boomer,

I hunt with both a muzzleloader and a shotgun. Illinois had a shotgun season before it offered a separate muzzleloader season. I started out with the shotgun and bought my muzzleloader after the separate muzzleloader season was offered. I have taken deer with both, although I have taken more with a shotgun than I have with the muzzleloader.

My shotgun is a B-80 Browning with a Hastings fully rifled barrel and a cantilever scope mount. I shoot Winchester Supreme Partition Gold shells. I get a nice tight 3" group at 100 yards. I have used this combination for 7 years. I have shot bucks as close as 60 yards to as far as 120 yards. I would not hesitate to shoot out to 150 yards. I love this gun. I would be hard pressed to trade it for something else.

I always use my shotgun first. After I have harvested a buck, I case my shotgun and hunt with the muzzleloader. I love hunting with the muzzleloader and I love the challenge. The reason I don't use it all the time is because of the split seasons Illinois offers. The firearm season is the three day weekend before Thanksgiving and a 4 day weekend after the Thanksgiving weekend. The first weekend is usually the end of the first rut and the second weekend the deer may be in the second rut, but not always. I have seen the weather change dramatically betwen the two seasons. I have also noticed major changes in deer sightings between the two seasons. The muzzleloader season is the weekend following the two firearms seasons and the deer get even more scarce by then. If one of those first two weekends has rain or gusting winds, the hunting is very poor. I don't want to take the chance on missing a deer because my first (and possibly only) shot was in the wrong place. I might not get another chance that year.

Midwest Safari