Muzzleloader hunting

GLEDEASY · Mar 10, 2015

This year I decided to forgo my beloved rifle and try a new challenge. I put in for UT general season muzzleloader and fully expect to draw the tag.

The season dates are Sept 23-Oct 1. This being about a full month earlier than what I have been use to hunting I am inquiring about some tips and tricks others may have used for hunting during this time period.

I assume some of those tips and tricks are going to depend upon the unit. Am I going to find this hunt to be much different than my said rifle hunt? I know shooting range will be smaller, which BTW do you prefer open sights or 1x scope? I'm curious to know a bucks general habits during this time of year:bachelor herds, summer range or migrating, etc.?

Looking forward to hearing others input.

Founder · Mar 10, 2015

The bucks will probably still be together and in the summer areas. Where you find them scouting is where they'll be during that hunt. Unless they get pushed hard, which is unlikely in most places.
Getting within range is always a challenge.

I still shoot open sights. I never have shot a scoped muzzleloader.

Challenges for me muzzleloading has been hunting thick dark cover. When they're in the thick stuff, picking them out with open sights (and probably even with a single power scope) is tough. Also, getting in close for a good shot. It definitely takes more skill to sneak within muzzleloader range than it does within rifle range.

Fun though!!!! I really enjoy shooting my muzzleloader.

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
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dillon · Mar 10, 2015

I love the general season muzzleloader hunts in Utah. I sold my Thompson Center Omega with a thumb-hole stock when I moved to Nevada two years ago, but I fully intend to buy a new muzzleloader in the next year or so. I still have access to an TC Encore that my brother never uses.

The bucks are usually in the same areas they are during archery season. Most hunters will be within 1/2 a mile of the road, so if you hike a little you can get into some great deer. I try to get inside 150 yards with a muzzleloader even though I can shoot past 200 and be fairly consistent, even with open sights. I have never had to shoot past 100 yards on my muzzleloader hunts in Utah. I have never used a scope on a muzzleloader.

Good luck,

Dillon
www.dillonhoyt.com

Zeke · Mar 10, 2015

I've got a 2.5X8 Leupold on mine right now (for accuracy development only).
I can't decide if I want a 1x, 2 min dot or a 1x scope. They all have +'s and -'s. I will probably not use the peep sight that came on the rifle... unless I change my mind over the summer.
I should draw a pretty good LE deer tag this year and hopefully have something acceptable to share on MM.
Luck to all!
Zeke

elkassassin · Mar 10, 2015

1X Scopes are JUNK!

The average TARD Eye is 1.5X!

JUDAS!

We laugh, we cry, we love
Go hard when the going's tough
Push back, come push and shove
Knock us down, we'll get back up again and again
We are Members of the Huntin Crowd!

hhunter23 · Mar 11, 2015

i just got my muzzy set up this year. its my first ever muzzleloader. i put a 1x scope on it. so far i like it better than open sites. if anything it gives you a better aim point with the cross hairs. im too shaky with open sites. too each his own, but i personally like the 1x's on the muzzys. good luck, should be a fun hunt. also this time of year it seams the bucks are shedding or just finishing shedding velvet and in my experience it makes them nocturnal or weary... just what i have seen.

"Shoot Straight"

Deerlove · Mar 11, 2015

By far my favorite hunt, less pressure, you can camo up. Spot and stalk is usually my mo.

Ranger1 · Mar 11, 2015

Watch the wind for your scent, depend on glassing and then spot and stock in on them, and they are generally in same area as summer scouting or just starting to move off the top a bit further from the roads. I like the open sights but agree the aiming point is critical and if you aren't good with open sights go with the 1X or red dot.

DidIDraw · Mar 11, 2015

Awesome time of the year to be in the woods. Fewest hunters for a general hunt so you can usually find areas that aren't too pressured. Bucks are a bit easier to find than during the rifle hunt but cover is thicker. Grouse hunters can cause a little havoc - I've had several blown stalks due to someone making a push through a canyon I was hunting.

My biggest problem is getting side tracked following bugling elk around the woods when I should be concentrating on the deer.

Hope you have a great hunt!

GLEDEASY · Mar 11, 2015

Thanks for the insights. Sounds like I'll stick with my original plan and go open sights.

DidIDraw, I'm sure that will be my biggest problem as well

deadibob · Mar 11, 2015

I muzzle hunt utah every year. I've tried all the legal optics and irons. Nothing comes close to an eotech imo.

BLooDTRaCKeR · Mar 12, 2015

Me likes the iron sight, traditional muzzleloader. Killed a few deer with it and hope to kill again this year!

stillwaitin · Mar 25, 2015

Muzzy hunt is a good time. I go with a 1x but I like having cross-hairs. Will be looking at red dots this year as well for my muzzy elk hunt.

flatdead · Mar 25, 2015

I have both red dot and scope. Love both for different reasons. Red dot (for me) I can turn the dot down and hold on the critter better after 100 yards. The vortex 1x I can dial so I don't hold over but It covers the whole deer past 100 yards, and never have to change batteries. Just to save the Beating I don't shot past 200 yards.