How many ML hunters?

[AZ-Robert]

Just read that 10% of the US population hunts. I was surprised the number was that low.

Anyone know what percentage of that low percentage is represented by ML hunters?

 

[ktw]

Anyone know what percentage of that low percentage is represented by ML hunters?

Michigan, 2004, deer hunters only

Michigan State Population (estimate)= 10,112,620

MI deer hunters (all seasons) = 712,894 (7% of population)

MI deer hunters participating in the muzzleloading season = 207,666 (29% of deer hunters)

2004 season summary from which these numbers have been taken is here: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/report3444_135086_7.pdf

-ktw

 

[roundball]

And probably 99% of those are modern inline shooters just for the extra few days of deer season...the number of hunters using some sort of traditional muzzleloader would probably be extremely small

 

[ktw]

And probably 99% of those are modern inline shooters just for the extra few days of deer season...the number of hunters using some sort of traditional muzzleloader would probably be extremely small

That is also my perception as a Michigan deer hunter.

 

[dwarvenchef]

I'm just now getting back into serious ML hunting here in CA, missed this year as I have been to busy. Planning on next year to use traditional ML (TC Hawken 50) and handgun hunting. Don't have modern long guns anymore. I have 200 acres just below yosemite so hopefully I can catch at least 1 deer there. Pigs are plentiful though and I will be hunting them with ML's haha, now what to make of them for MM gear...

 

[WV MZL HUNTER]

I have read that the amount of hunters has dropped off in the last few years, I think it is due to lack of ground to hunt. In my area people are concerned of being sued if someone falls on their land while hunting.
If you go to the web and look up National Shooting Sports Foundation they have most of this information about hunters and the amount of money sportsmen spend each year. Money spent by us
" HUNTERS " runs over 4 million each day!
I am a menber of the NWTF > National Wild Turkey Federation and help run a jakes day for kids. Kids are the life of our sport. Of course I help the kids shoot sidelock muzzleloaders at this event. >> IF YOU TAKE A KID HUNTING YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO HUNT FOR YOUR KID. :hatsoff:

 

[Finnwolf]

Just read that 10% of the US population hunts. I was surprised the number was that low.

Anyone know what percentage of that low percentage is represented by ML hunters?

Pennsylvania data, 2004 season:

PA Population: 12,281,054
Hunting Licenses: 1,013,866 (8.26%)
ML Licenses: 200,193 (1.63%)

The number of regular licenses sold in PA has been mostly declining for the last 10 years. The number of ML licenses sold has been consistently growing. In PA, the early season in Oct (doe only) allows inlines but the regular season in December/January is buck or doe and is flintlock only. Used to be patched roundball only until they started allowing conicals a few years ago. State just doesn't understand that most of us serious guys went to slow twist barrels years ago.
Finnwolf

 

[WV MZL HUNTER]

I have 6 sidelocks and if I get a deer with any of them it feels great. :hatsoff: I have to say I bought 1 inline and it is a rifle without the case. I got a deer with it in Ohio, may as well took my 3006 just the same. :youcrazy:

 

[ffffg]

of all the muzzeloaders i know in my area very few of them hunt with them.. they dont want to miss the 6x6 bull becouse its out of ml range.. also when it gets a little cold on the hands, most of them quite for the winter.. so it will be very few in my estimation.. dave

 

[dwarvenchef]

haha some of my specialty pistol friends say we sniff to many fumes. But it's people like us that really keep the heart of our hobby going. Sure I would like to see more out there shooting ML's but in a way I like it this way. Less people out there means a nicer hunt. Now if we can only find a way to Un-Invent the inline...

 

[pathfinderifh]

That is also my perception as a Michigan deer hunter.[/quote]

I've been hunting in Mich since 1968[in the woods with uncles since1960]and have yet to come across another hunter useing a muzzleloader during the regular season,and I've hunted from Lake Linden to Adrian. More are begining to use them in the Shotgun only zone,but still far to few traditional hunters for my taste. :shake:

Pathfinder

 

[playfarmers]

I live and hunt in Manitoba Canada, and very few hunters around here hunt with muzzleloaders. Our area is populated with hunters that look for the flatest shooting magnum they can find, so that they can reach out from the seat of the pickup. The biggest problem is that these same hunters are the land owners. We are in the middle of our rifle season now, and I have had enough. Next year I will only hunt with my Flinter, and if needed, my Lyman Deerstalker cap lock. Our muzzleloader season runs for 3 weeks prior to our rifle season. The wormer weather and the lack of hunters in the field, are very appealing to me. As well as using my favorite rifles.