Second Ker-Schlack Gets the Deer

[Versanaut]

I am relatively new to hunting, having only hunting deer now for the past 6 years. I have only used sidelocked, open sighted front stuffers from day one, much to my modern/scoped rifle family's dismay. There is just something about having to let them get closer and to account for the elements and lighting to make a shot that makes this type of hunting both exciting and a bit nostalgic! I stepped up the game this year in taking my flinter out for the first time. A MUCH different hunt indeed! Any movement of that 42" barrel gets a lot of attention! A herd of 6 doe happened across my right side. Being right handed I had to be patient for them to present better and not have to swing that long barrel around. I let 4 pass before to lessen the chances of being seen. Decided on #4 as the biggest. I startled the last two a bit as I line up but they did not blow or run. Only stomped. She was out at roughly 40ish yards and slightly quartering away. A clear shot, no brush. I lined up on her shoulder, pulled back the hammer. Exhaled and took in a deep breath of the cool morning air and set the trigger. As I exhaled slowed and eased back on the trigger, the early morning silence was broken by a VERY loud Ker-Schlack! No Boom! hahaha. I can't recall what I muttered exactly, but I don't think I was complimentary towards my rifle as I reset the hammer. ALL eyes were looking in my direction now trying to make sense of the noise. The two doe (Does?) next to me darted off. #4 turned to see where they went when the hammer fell again and the second Ker-Slack was interrupted by the thunder and smoke I hoped for! She ran about 50 yards before coming to rest under a fallen tree.

Rifle of Unknown maker
42"
45cal. roundball
75 Grains FFFg same in the pan
Canvas Patch with homemade Beeswax/Olive Oil lube

 

[3Setters]

Congrats

 

[Brokennock]

Excellent sir. Congratulations and thank you for sharing.

 

[appalichian hunter]

Sometimes the angels P in your pan, or in your case just mess with you a bit. congrats on your hunt.

 

[William Lincoln]

Patience paid off- nice doe. What happened to her Brother?

 

[Euan]

Excellent, Well done.

 

[zerosprk]

A bunch of tender meat at the end of a short track job - congratulations!

 

[Stykbow]

Congrats.

 

[pamtnman]

Congratulations! You remained composed after a first failure, which is not easy.

 

[Spikebuck]

Not too often one gets that second chance! Glad you could make good on it.

 

[bushytail]

Congratulations! I’m glad to hear it still worked out for you. I your gun.

 

[New bp shooter]

Congrats on a fine deer with a beautiful riffle ....

 

[JohnL]

Nice! Cool story!

 

[Percy]

Well done, nice doe.

 

[TScottW99]

Congratulation! nice looking rifle.

 

[Loja man]

That’s great!! Glad she stuck around for you to get a second chance!!! Nice looking rifle!!

 

[jackpine54]

Great job!

 

[Codger Craig Wilcox]

Huge Congrats to ya! You have done something that less than 1 in a million have done. Quite an accomplishment for sure.

 

[Roundball2319]

Well done.

 

[Versanaut]

I appreciate all the kind words! I admit, I am have still so much to learn about hunting and flintlocks for that matter. I am a bit smitten by flintlocks and nostalgia for 18th century anything. I love my caplocks, but I don't think I'll be headed back their way (Unless it's the last days of the season and I have no tags filled! ha!). I find myself headed backwards with regards to historical firearm progression. I think I'd like to end up hunting with a fowler and in more 18th century attire (Except of course the required hunters orange!).

Thanks again all for the kind and encouraging words! I'll be skulking about the other forum topics/categories as I discover who my 18th century persona is!