Hop

Yes, I know it shouldn`t be happening. That was kind of the purpose of my post to Legacy-he screwed up on a buck by looking at his phone, I screwed up by not using proper sealant on breach plug and nipple. I bought that gun some time ago the second year they came out and have loved it ever since. As much as I hate to admit it, it`s me, not the gun.

I shoot a Savage 10ml-II. I use 43 grains of IMR 4227 pushing a 245 gr. powerbelt. It is a real tackdriver. I would be interested if anybody shoots the same rifle but uses a different load.

With the exception of opening day, when I use my Dad`s old 16 model 37, I use the muzzleloader exclusively also. I normally just pop caps off, but am so paranoid about this not firing, that until season is over I will fire several shots before hunting. Only 3 days left, can`t afford to screw up anymore.

Well, Legacy, if you can admit to a screwup, I guess I can fess up too. But first I want to thank you, and everyone who contributed to this thread this season. After a cold fruitless, frustrating morning or evening hunt, I enjoyed coming home and reading about everybody`s experiences, good or not. Sure can relate to a lot of them and it`s nice to know other guys feel the same pain I feel much of the time. Ok, a week or so ago I shot a doe. Reloaded the muzzleloader, then when I got home I reloaded it again. Yes, put a second charge on top of first! So, had to break down rifle (a Savage in line that shoots smokeless powder). So, while breaking it down, naturally cleaned it, put anti seize on nipple, etc. (Didn`t have rifle antiseize, so used some anti rust seize that I use on brake componets) No harm, right? Put rifle back together, popped a few caps, and reloaded. Well, went to shot a doe the other nite, you guessed it, POP, and the doe waved goodbye. After screwing up that nite, I came home, next day shot several shots with no problems. Soo, reloaded and been hunting ever since till last nite, when nice buck (at sunset, but my watch usually runs slow) stepped out. You guessed it, POP. So today tore rifle down, cleaned and lubed it properly and put back together. Tomorrow AM will fire several rounds and load just before I go out. I surmise that overtime, a little antiseize contaminated the powder. So, if the big guy in the sky gives me just one more chance, I promise not to screw it up.

Not sure how to transfer a pic from my phone, but two days ago made a sweep through a bedding area and found a real nice 9 point-half eaten. Couldn`t get too close due to odor, etc., but thought I could see a hole in gut area. I wondered why I hadn`t seen this guy for a while. So far season consists of doe w/muzzleloader. Screwed up on nice buck w/crossbow earlier. Time is getting short.

Nice deer Jersy L. Did you have him aged? Looks like an old warrior-gray/white face. Maybe on the way down-hence the smaller rack verses body size. Might want to grind that old boy into burger!

He`s a beaut-thanks for sharing. I especially like hearing equipment used, where hit, how far he went, etc. Tonite first nite I`ve seen action-nice buck shagging after doe, chasing in big circles, just out of range.

Thanks everybody for the ideas. I am thinking about a lower poundage compound-but for last part of last year and this year have been using the longbow. It`s actually not a recurve, but a true long bow. I know I won`t have many chances where I can take a shot. My only option is to draw and shoot almost in one motion, which I actually have gotten pretty good at out to 20 yards in the back yard. At least it gets me out in the woods. These days it`s gotten so bring something home is almost secondary. Thanks again. Stay safe.

I`m really enjoying reading the various opinions and experiences. Wondering if anyone can offer their experiences using a longbow. Due to shoulder and back issues I was forced to switch from my compound to a longbow. Currently using Muzzy`s, haven`t shot a deer with them yet. Any other ideas on fixed blades for a 47# longbow?

BSmaster, I was nodding my head in agreement as I read your entire post, especially your last comment about feeling good when I see a post or picture that includes a youngster with a fish or deer, etc. At first I wasn`t too sure about this early season for kids, but from what I have seen and read, I think it`s getting some of the younger generation the "bug". Good hunting, safe hunting to you and all.

Way to go. real nice buck. still searching for mine, plenty of time...

Chris-here is a question that will tell you how techno challenged I am-How do you reformat a SD card? Think that may be a problem I`ve been having with my Wildgame cams. Thanks..

Nice videos. What brand trail cams do you use? Generally, are these photos from the finger lake region? Thanks.

I have been out hanging stands and poking around a bit, haven`t seen any scrapes. I enjoy following a blog by Robert Hoague. He is on Bowhunting.net. One of his recent blogs deals with when bucks start making scrapes. (Blog is dated Aug. 27) I realize he is in a different part of the country, but still worth reading.

Ha Ha! Real good one! Actually I do know one I used to use quite a lot. Goes by the name of Jack Daniel. Haven`t spoken w/him in quite some time, but I`m sure he is still providing therapy.

Les, you are without question the LAST person I would expect to do something like that. You check, recheck again and again. You have always reminded me of those guys down at NASA who check and test stuff so much, the stuff they are checking and testing wears out and fails because of so much checking and testing! (They do have medication for that condition, so I`m told.)

The paper said the fellow caught it on a homeaide painted lure. Hoping the guy or somebody who knows him will say how big, etc, lure was. Great fish, guy!!

Yes, I also have broken skim ice to get out to "the hole". Then again, I never won any awards for being the brightest light on the tree! (And a big OUCH to your comment, Pork. I could be wrong, but I think I`ve seen some ice on your beard after some winter fishing, too.)

May not officially count cause it`s only used during winter, but my 1957 16~ Alumacraft powered with 9.9. A guy would have to work to put a dent in it with a hammer, the aluminum is so thick. Love winter fishing in the Belhurst hole pulling flashers.