Archery season is underway, and there are a number of hunting opportunities to be added to the mix this coming weekend.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, the regular rabbit and grouse seasons are set to open. The statewide muzzleloader season of antlerless deer and black bear opens that day as well. Also adding to the list of opportunities are the special firearms seasons for junior and senior hunters along with mentored youth and active-duty military and certain disabled permit holders that runs Oct. 22-24.
Last year, hunters harvested a record 4,653 black bears. Over the course of bear hunting’s three major seasons, hunters took 1,629 bears in the general season, 1,340 in the muzzleloader and special firearms season, 1,117 in the extended firearms season, and 561 in the bear archery season. The muzzleloader and extended archery harvests are all new record harvests as well.
Last year’s record-breaking black bear harvest serves to reinforce the Keystone State as being recognized as one of the premier black bear states in the nation.
Again this year the PGC reports a robust black bear population. Travis Lau noted, “The black bear population is estimated to number about 20,000, similar to recent years.”
Given the number of black bears to be hunted and the size of PA’s black bear hunters, the popularity of hunting for black bears continues to grow. That is especially true when it comes to hunting within the early statewide muzzleloading season for black bears.
For decades the late flintlock rifle hunting season for deer has been ongoing. Rifles in .45, .50 & .54 caliber traditionally are used to hunt deer. And an impressive number of hunters have equipped themselves to hunt deer and to take on black bears black powder style. And last season they did. However, this year a growing number of hunters have begun to make adjustments and finetune the black powder rifle that will be in their hands during this year’s hunt.
A .45 caliber back powder rifle firing a slug or round ball is capable of taking down a thin-skinned whitetail. And when challenged to take a black bear, it can be done. But according to experienced black powder hunters there is a better option.
A common thread among hunters is to have as much flexibility with the firearm being carried, especially when it comes to black powder arms. After all, situations presented in the field can change and do so quickly. For example, during the early big game season it is possible to take a black bear and or an antlerless deer within the framework of the early Oct. 17-24 season. That’s why a growing number of hunters will be using a .50 caliber inline black powder rifle this season. There are several good reasons to support the change.
First is the fact that the inline provides a more reliable ignition system. Unlike flintlock rifles, there is an almost instant ignition of the black powder that propels the bullet downrange.
Another advantage is the sighting system. Flintlock rifles used in the special flintlock rifle season must be equipped with open sights. On the other hand, an inline can be equipped with a scope.
But it is what goes out of the barrel that really counts when choosing an inline black powder rifle. It is the bullet the rifle is capable to deliver downrange that matters.
The selection and styles of bullets for .50 caliber rifles is impressive.
There are a wide range of bullet weights available that range from 200 gr. to 385 gr. and various weights in between.
Next is the type of projectiles pre-lubed maxi-balls, skirted bullets topped off with polymer tips, specialized bullets set into a sabot, and even non-toxic hollow point copper bullets set into a sabot.
With so many bullet types to choose from, an investment of time on the range and experimenting with various loads is a must. However, the reward comes when a matchup between the rifle, bullet weight, and powder charge is achieved.
After a good shooting combination is settled on, additional range time needs to be invested. Shooting at measured distances at paper targets will provide the trajectory of the bullet from the end of the barrel to the target.
To the contrary, the heavy bullet shot from the black powder rifle is delivered to the target slower and at a much higher arc. The time spent on the range will provide you with the necessary sight adjustments needed to accurately deliver the bullet over extended ranges.
While on the shooting range and proofing rounds, record your findings. From the range to the woods it is possible to forget what was learned. If the bullet hits dead on at 50 yards, write it down. Then punch holes in targets at 75, 100, and 125 yards and record the results. Record the amount of drop the bullets deviated from the center of the target at each distance. By doing it is easy to see the amount of holdover needed to hit the center of the target.
When in the field, estimating range can be tricky. Ground cover or wooded settings can make it difficult to determine distances. And that’s the reason they make rangefinders. It is a simple device and can make the difference between accurately delivering a round to the target or missing altogether.
The neat thing about the early season for black bear and antlerless deer is that for properly licensed hunters, the choice is yours.
(Charlie Burchfield is an active member and past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association Gateway Outdoors email is GWOutdoors@comcast.net.)
