“You’re going to need to be able to shoot 200 yards,” my guide said as I prepared for my California muzzleloader hunt. Jonnie asked if I had my muzzleloader ready, and I was so excited that I blurted out, “Yes!” Actually, I had just spent the weekend on the gun hoping to take a bear. As it turned out, the only bears we saw were on the trail camera, but I got to practice shooting my LR Custom 45 caliber muzzleloader all weekend. It shoots exactly where you aim it. Open sights are cool and definitely a challenge. Our predecessors had to hunt that way, and I was begging to get the opportunity. Well, be careful what you wish for.
Hunting in the rut, it’s awesome when the timing is right. With the previous snowstorm and temperature drop, business was good. We glassed about 16 bucks but hadn’t spotted a shooter yet. Most of the bucks were with does, and although it was bitter cold and windy, we could judge them well. The big buck had a group of does with him and was tall and majestic. He commanded respect and was the target buck we were looking for!
“You need to be able to shoot 200 yards,” my guide, Jonnie Kellogg, had said. I had practiced previously but hadn’t shot much over 100 yards. I was confident and very comfortable with the rifle. Getting time on the gun is crucial before your hunt. I had put in the time and was ready.
“He’s 202 yards,” my guide said. “It’s downhill, so put it right on him.”
I was using my Revic tripod fully flat and shooting prone. I had time as the buck was bedded down. “Man, he looks small,” I muttered as I focused on the buck through the peep sights. I needed him to stand, so Jonnie made a bleat and the buck stood up. A rifle or muzzleloader shoots the same with or without a scope, it really just comes down to focus, mentally and with your eyes. I squeezed the trigger and made a direct hit. It was a bit high and back, but it got one lung and barrel rolled him down the hill.
My shouts of elation turned to a scramble to reload the muzzleloader as the buck stood and started walking slowly downhill. I quickly went through the drill I had practiced just for this occasion. It seemed like minutes but was really 20-30 seconds until I was reloaded and followed the buck straight down the hill. He bedded down several times, and we finally got really close and made a clean, quick shot this time kneeling off the tripod.
Although the pack out was brutal since he kept going down as he walked, I was so happy to put my hands on his gnarly, knobby, eyeguarded horns. The long hike was a joy. The sun came out, and it slightly warmed up. Pictures, back slapping, and huge smiles followed, and it was starting to sink in. I had shot the biggest buck on the mountain on my first in-line muzzleloader hunt. To say I’m hooked is an understatement. The challenge and the up close and person stalking are in my blood.
With friends, preparation, and a positive attitude, you can turn a good hunt into a great hunt. Snow two weeks before and the rut peaking was icing on the cake! Opening day was the day after my birthday. Belated birthday wishes are my favorite forever now.
California Deer
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