Old Man Winter finally arrived and just in time for some muzzleloading deer hunting. Actually, he made his appearance on the final day of regular firearms deer season in Shiawassee County, much to the chagrin of commuters but much to the delight of late-season deer hunters.
snow-laden spruce
Snow has always signified a refreshing change in an otherwise drab outdoor environment turned gray after final leaf drop. It sparkles in the moonlight like billions of diamonds sprinkled from the inner city to the outermost reaches of the country. It just seems to clean everything up. Beyond its natural beauty, however, a backdrop of white can also highlight the presence of wildlife.
No longer does the whitetail deer blend in with its surroundings like it did in the fall. Yes, the hunter can also be as conspicuous as a wart on a fashion model, but the wise hunter knows how to blend in. Stand hunting – employing the art of sitting still – can pay huge dividends in late-season strategy. Box blinds and heaters are the order of the season.
Snow makes food sources harder to access and cold makes wildlife consume more food to maintain energy levels.
sun breaks through early morning
And, bucks, that have run themselves ragged chasing does for the past month, need to replenish reserves for the harsh reality of Michigan’s wintry weather. Find food, find deer. But, be careful. It’s easy to get patterned, if you get too close.
Today’s modern muzzleloaders can provide the perfect balance of getting close enough to make humane kills, without getting too close and spooking those wily adult does. And, from the shelter of a fixed blind, there’s no excuse for not having a perfect, stable rest for your front-loading rifle.
Single-shot smokepoles take time to load and practice can be a long, drawn-out affair. However, velocity, and therefore flat shooting, is better than the hottest loads in rifled shotguns. Ah, but only one shot? Who wants that!
The one-shot, one-kill mentality is naturally fostered through the discipline of the hunter with only one shot. Running game? Leave that to Tom Izzo. When a hunter has but one chance, everything must be perfect. No spray and pray. Just one perfect shot.
In addition, there’s no better deer-dropping firearm for the youth hunter than a modern inline muzzleloader. Lighter powder charges mean less recoil. Sure, if you want more horsepower, just pour in more powder (to recommended levels, of course). But, lighter loads can reduce felt recoil, which can reduce the likelihood of developing the despised flinch.
Muzzleloading atop a blanket of snow gives us all a fresh start, no matter how the past 60 days of deer hunting has gone.
A few final words are in order. If you are seeking an antlerless deer, make sure to verify that it is not a button buck, which is this season’s fawn. The Michigan hunting guide has some excellent advice to help hunters distinguish button bucks from does. Enlighten those with whom you hunt.
Finally, if you are fortunate enough to kill a late-season whitetail, make sure to keep it from freezing before processing or you’ll understand how freezing, thawing, and refreezing can spoil all the hard work.
