Muzzle loading season for Deer opened in our area on 28 September and runs through October 6th. Muzzle loading (black powder) hunting is primarily done in the surrounding wheat fields rather than in the Blue Mountains and hunters are only allowed to take mule deer and whitetail bucks with 3 points or better, or white tailed does.

Muzzle loading requires a great deal of patience and skill as it requires hunters to get very close to their quarry, as black powder weapons are typically most effective at under 100 yards and scopes are not allowed. This method of hunting is enjoyed by a much smaller number of hunters who like to get a jump on the season and avoid the larger number of hunters who enjoy the modern firearm season which runs from 12 to 23 October. Paul Ocker of Waitsburg, snuck up to within 50 yards of this “Dandy” 5x5 whitetail buck in a patch of wild sunflowers, on Sunday the 29th at a secret spot about 10 -15 miles from town. He was uncooperative with sharing the exact location but said that he obtained written permission to hunt from the landowner as required.