First Flintlock Iowa Buck

[Critter Getter]

Real warrior, I have bowhunted every year since 1980 and have shot bp almost as long. I just started shooting a flintlock a few seasons ago and have taken 2 does and now this buck along with a couple of squirrels. I hunt mostly with a compound bow most of these 39 years and can honestly say that I think hunting with a flintlock is more challenging than my bow! There is a learning curve with these flinters that I have yet to completely master. I shot bows in target competition at the professional level and so far I can say that I am much more accurate with my bow out to 70-80 yards than I am with my flintlocks! But I am absolutely crazy about hunting with my flintlock longrifles and determined as ever to master these smokin beauties!! Greg.

 

[wry]

Critter Getter: that is truly a buck of a lifetime! I think in my half-century of whitetail hunting, scouting and hiking I have seen maybe one deer that was in the same league as yours. Well done, sir. I compliment you for your patience and persistence. As for your shot, my dad used to say: "Any shot that puts meat on the game pole is a good one!"

 

[Critter Getter]

Thanks Wry, I appreciate the kind words and I do think he is a nice buck. I have taken quite a few with my bow over a lot of years that are bigger and heavier racked but really enjoy this one as my first with a flintlock. I completely missed a 50 yard shot a few years ago on a true giant and he was the smaller of the two that were standing together!! I know how nice he was as another hunter ended up taking him with a shotgun an hour later! I have taken a boatload of deer over the years with shotguns but just prefer my Muzzleloaders now and especially my flintlocks!! Greg

 

[wry]

My hat is off to you, sir! I've been hunting deer for half a century and I bet I haven't seen half a dozen bucks the size of yours. Your skill and accomplishment (especially with a flinter!) is to be admired!

 

[Sun City]

OUTSTANDING!