Modern in-line muzzleloader rifles use pelletized black powder with a modern 209 primer ignition system that allows for more assured performance and easier loading than old-style flintlock muzzleloaders. Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher

The New York State Southern Zone big game late srchery, muzzleloader and vrossbow season just ended Tuesday, and for some hunters, it brings a pleasant close to a very long season of hunting for deer. The total number of days that certified, licensed hunters are allowed to hunt deer in our Southern Zone area is surprising: that number is 89 days!

Three months of goodness and time to spend in the outdoors. But guess what? Right now, we are in an eight-day holding pattern with no hunting for big game in the Southern Zone – the deer, the hunters, and the landowners all get a well-deserved (and needed) time to rest. Except for the sound of gift wrapping, there is silence in the woods. On Dec. 26, Santa delivers a nice surprise for holiday travelers to our area who hunt. The 2024 Southern big game holiday deer season opens at 30 minutes before sunrise on Dec. 26 and runs for seven days through 30 minutes after sunset on Jan. 1, 2025. Legal hunting implements include archery, muzzleloader and crossbow only, and for deer only (no bear). Hunters must possess a bowhunting or muzzleloading privilege to participate in the holiday deer hunt. Note that deer tags for either-sex, antlerless only and unfilled regular season tags can be used for antlerless deer in the holiday deer hunt. The northern zone does not have a holiday deer hunt. Gear up and get ready for the hunt.

There are many different types of muzzleloaders today, from old-fashioned percussion and flintlock styles to the new in-line, easy-to-use versions. And there is something in between. I met one local Chautauqua hunter last year, Brock Windoft, an expert outdoorsman who pays attention to details. He hunts with a Savage ML-10 muzzleloader. It is one of the few muzzleloaders that shoot pelletized rifle powder instead of black powder, and there is no smoke plume, which is typical of most muzzleloaders. Windoft says, “My ML10 uses 44 grains of pelletized rifle powder behind a 250-grain, .45 caliber, ballistic-tipped Hornady sabot. The sabot takes up the .050 inches of the 50-caliber barrel.” Windoft adds, “This bullet and grain combo in this special firearm is very reliable, and with no plume of smoke when you shoot, you never lose sight of the result of the shot.” Windoft favors hunting with a buddy during any season, but a slow, meandering walk-hunt style appeals to all hunters when the late seasons come around with snow on the ground. It’s not hard work. It may be especially favored by hunters, like me, who are getting up in age, too. In this case, with skittish, end-of-the-season deer mostly hiding after the usual deer hunting season, it is one of the safe methods to hunt, short of conducting an organized drive. Note that the Savage ML-10 is discontinued from production. You can search the web for a used model, but will also learn why they have been removed from production. ALWAYS read the caution labels and follow the instructions. Not everyone does that.

The most remarkable thing about this time of year is the unique winter hunting experience this extra late season offers. Cold days, the late sunrise and early sunset time, all yield to a nice warm wood stove creating prime time for taking a deep breath. Most of the hunter nation in New York will stay home, but the rewards can be surprising for the few that will return to the woods. Except for the secretive sound of the wind, hunters will find a mysterious new aura of nearly absolute silence when they set out and sit down. There may be moments when you ask yourself, why didn’t I stay home and sit around the wood stove with a good book, a cup of coffee and some carrot cake? But then you remember who you are. You are still a deer-hunting warrior at heart with the confidence to fill your tag for you and your family or for someone else in the food kitchen who is looking for a meal. Enjoy every moment out there.

Gotta love the outdoors.

Outdoor Calendar:

Nov. 23-Jan. 19: Late Canada Goose Season – South Area. See syllabus.

Dec. 19: Southtowns walleye monthly meeting, 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, 7 p.m. start; Info: Sue Gunther, 716-435-9932.

Dec. 25: Merry Christmas!

Dec. 26-Jan. 1: NYS Southern Zone holiday deer hunt season for archery, muzzleloader and crossbow.

Jan. 4: Clays-for-Cash sporting clay shoot, Hanover Fish and Game Club, 780 Overhiser Road, Forestville, 8 a.m. start, last clay: 11a.m. Info: 716-480-2202.

Jan. 4: Free fur-handling workshop, Collins Conservation Club, 2633 Conger Road, Collins; 9 a.m.-1 p.m., call Patti Wattengel, 716-337-2556 for info.

Jan. 4-5: Hamburg Gun Show, 5820 South Park Ave., Hamburg, 9 a.m. open, $10 entry, Info: nfgshows.com.

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.