It’s a technology that dates back centuries: black-powder guns that shoot a metal projectile. Ohio’s four-day muzzleloader seasons opens this weekend.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is expecting a slight drop from last year’s harvest of about 19,000 deer. ODNR spokesman John Windau says muzzleloader season usually brings out the most-dedicated hunters, but it can also be dangerous since the hand-packed guns have a longer range.
“And also be aware that during muzzleloader season, other seasons are going on…small game and the like," warns WIndau. "So everyone out there needs to be wearing hunter orange.”
Since bow season began in September, hunters have tagged about 195,000 deer. That’s down about a percent from last season, mainly Windau says because that state has been trying to slightly thin the herd.