Deer Hunting with a Flintlock

[DaveS]

Are there any other folks out there that hunt Squirrels and/or deer with a flintlock rifle? I custom built two flintlock rifles for hunting. One a .50 cal for deer and a .36cal for squirrel. Just want to hear from other folks on the subject.

Dave (WD-40)

[ShaunM]

I have never personally done it, but it would be cool to do.

[DaveS]

I really enjoy it. Let alone being a challenge, it's fun!

Dave

[Louisb]

I wish you the best of luck with the challenge of muzzleloading hunting. A flinchlock will do its part if you can!

[Wingshooter]

I have not hunted with a flintlock. I think it would be fun because I really enjoy hunting with my side lock percussion .50cal. I like the primitive aspect of it.

[Guest Jcochran88]

Never used a flint lock, but love to hunt with old hawken .54 cal makes it tougher.

Do you build your own flintlocks?

never mind read op more carefully.

[Wingshooter]

How bad of a problem is moisture when you're hunting with a flintlock? Can you keep the pan covered in light rain, or do you have to call it a day?

[DaveS]

I shot one of my nicer bucks with my "rocklock" rifle. Cover your lock, frizzen and pan with a leather cover (called a cow's knee) and you'll be just fine. Rain does have it's drawback though. You'll need to change your pan powder every now and then. Maybe all of us "smoke pole" hunters can get together this year for a hunt. I see the muzzleloader season has been extended. WOO HOO!!!

Dave

[DaveS]

I do build my own rifles. Both flintlocks were built from scratch and several parts were forged by hand. Alot of time and pride go into them. Years ago, I built some Hawken "caplocks" from kit, but built my kentucky flintlocks from scratch. I've dreamed of it all my life, and finally did it!

Dave

[eehlert]

I have hunted deer exclusively with a flintlock since I was about 8 years old (I am 30 now). As for squirrels, I mostly use a flintlock, but will sometimes use a .22. My dad was a custom builder, so I got started right and have never turned back.

E

[Guest tadams]

That would be really cool. By any chance, you don't still start your car with a crank do you? That's another something entirely, but also more challenging in the rain.

I'm just having some fun.

That's definitely putting the "sport" back into it, for the naysayers that claim it to be something different. (and I don't mean the means of obtaining food) My hat is off to you.

[memphismason]

This would be neat to do. Getting back to one's roots. Kinda like using a long bow.

[DaveS]

No tadams...but I do give her a swift kick now again.