In any hunters defense, I believe we all feel proficient in taking game and that’s our goal. I crippled a buck up last year at 20 yds with a modern ML and a 3x15 Zeiss. It happens no matter our best intentions.

If anyone is batting 1.000, they haven’t hunted much.

I’ve only taken four deer in my life and I’m 42. Late bloomer, Mr Jameson calls me.
And also new to archery hunting. First deer was shotgun/slug. The next two were rifle. And the most recent was flintlock (2 years back)
Don’t want to let this ruin my future hunting career. Also I’m not a die hard deer hunter I just like to provide for my household and family.

You have a good heart, that is the most import thing in a hunter.

Dt that is your right. But is that round ball the most lethal projectile out there gor s muzzle loader ? No not even close. Topic is a lost deer. Is there things that might have helped anchor the deer in sight ? Yes. That is what most comments are aimed at. Not whether a round ball will kill Heck a stainless steel ball bearing between the eyes out of s flintlock will kill.

Those restrictions only apply in the late, after Christmas season. During this early muzzleloader season inlines, cap locks, and other types of muzzleloading weapons are allowed.

During the after Christmas season, you can only use traditional flintlocks, no telescopic sites, etc.

Its not necessary to use the most new fangled thing to hunt. The topic is a lost deer, and you are saying use the most deadly thing? Im saying forget that. If you need scopes on your guns and wheels on your bow, you do you. Some are capable of doing it a different way. I commend her effort and its a learning experience.

I have seen this too often. Especially with inexperienced hunters, but also with experienced guys that should know better and do better.

Who says Flintlocks can't put meat in the freezah ??

That target right there was shot OFFHAND @ 50 yaahds..

With a 62 Cal ...SMOOTHBORE FLINTAH..

With NO rear sight.

SmashO, Get tomorrow and go walk in ever growing circles around your stand. I would imagine you're gonna find it piled up somewhere.

I like round balls out of my flinter mainly because I am more accurate with them. Not sure why. I just am.

The delay is part of the game. Everyone falls victim to it eventually. I know of no known quick fix on how to learn to react to it. Like was stated above most seem to raise their head from the gun when it happens.

I've been to many muzzleloader matches and almost everyone does it. There are that rare few that can compose themselves enough to hold their head down.

Will it still be any good tmrw!? Mid 40’s tonight

Yeah it'll be fine....

Thanks Ang we will look

IF the coyotes ain't got it.

So did you's go take another look?

1

We did. Can’t find any blood or hair or anything else today. The blood we found last night was real sparse.

That happens like said before, if you can trap the area remember the location because if it did die around there and might die in the area later, never know, go trap there.

??

You tried Smash. I've lost plenty myself. It sucks but part of the game.

It's a sickening feeling and I've had to deal with it before. If you gave it your all and did a grid search and came up empty there's not much you can do. If you're like me now the second guessing starts and that's not fun. I don't take losing an animal lightly.

Go to the area , sit quiet , if the deer is down , the birds will tell you where it is. crows, ravens buzzards. old 243