Kevin Steffey, Author at Deer Hunting Field

What Is A Safe Way To Unload A Muzzleloader – The Best And The Safest Way To Unload A Muzzleloader

Have you ever encountered any situation whereby a firearm explodes in your hand? Having a firearm blast in your hand isn’t anything to joke about. It has happened to someone before and will most likely happen again and again.

This is the main reason why you must discover the best and the safe way to unload a muzzleloader before you load it up in order to avoid any explosion. This article attends to the question on what is a safe way to unload a muzzleloader and all other safety measures concerning muzzleloader.

Knowing About Muzzleloader

A muzzleloade is a kind of firearm into which the projectile and propellant charge are loaded from the forward part of the firearm’s barrel called muzzle and because of this, it was named muzzleloader.

A muzzleloader is entirely different from today’s firearm because modern firearms are harder to make, breech-loading and are integrated with high technologies and innovations. Muzzleloader weapons are harder to fire, load and clean. Muzzleloader are of two kinds: we have rifle-type and smoothbore muzzleloader.

The term “Muzzleloader” can be used in so many ways. It can be used to refer to a marksman who has practical experience in using a muzzleloader firearm.

Muzzleloader can likewise be used to depict an individual shooting this kind of firearm.

Muzzleloaders are popular with target shooters and hunter and are commonly used in historical re- enactments. The muzzleloading season is a favorite season loved by many hunters and it happens once in a year.

The main reason why most hunters prefer muzzleloaders is simply because of the powerful black powder weapon it is using and the fun derived in firing it.

Why It’s Important to Unload a Muzzleloader?

Muzzleloaders are meant to be clean every time they are shot. It is extremely unsafe and dangerous to clean a loaded muzzleloader.

This is because the weapon uses a corrosive material called black powder which can spoil the weapon and results to fouling or pitting effect if it is permitted to stay on the muzzleloader for a long time.

This effect can reduce the accuracy and precision of a weapon and sometimes makes it hard for the weapon to load.

Most muzzleloader manufacturers now recommend different cleaning guides. It is highly advisable to adhere and stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines to clean the firearm.

There is certain shooting competition purposely arranged by muzzleloader manufacturers in order to make people obey the cleaning guidelines.

If you don’t listen and follow every cleaning guides or suggestions in the competition, you could be disqualified and evicted from participating again.

In order to prevent any occurrence of fouling, shooters are advised to swab the barrel with a damp patch every time it is fired.

To produce a perfect result, the patch should be made of manufactured materials such as cotton.

It’s best to pick a cleaning kit made particularly for muzzleloaders. Every once in a while, shooters should learn to clean the firearm’s lock.

For most models, the lock is held together with a bolt or two. Loosen the bolt, clean both sides by scrubbing it let it dry and oil it before replacement.

Approaches to Unload a Muzzleloader

It is advisable to read and understand the instruction manual to ensure there you commit no grievous mistake. Many people think they don’t have anything to do with the manual and some people will only flip through.

However, for your safety and that of the people around you, find time to look at the loading and unloading section. There are ways to go about unloading a muzzleloader. They are:

1- Utilizing a Co2 Discharger

You can clear your barrel using a CO2 discharger, and the best approach to discharge depends on the kind of muzzleloaders that is being used. Anytime you make use of a flintlock muzzleloader, always remember to put the discharger against the touchhole. If it is a percussion bolt muzzleloader, simply slip the discharger over the areola.

2- Backstop

You can likewise discharge your muzzleloader into a suitable backstop. A backstop is a thing put behind or at the back as a boundary or support. It’s is advisable not to shot the muzzleloader into the ground as the shot could ricochet. Also, don’t shoot into the air as the shot could freefall, endangering the lives of people on the ground.

3- Modern In-Line Muzzleloader

Most shooters don’t need the old ways of unloading a muzzleloader because of the modern in-line muzzleloader. If that is the situation, all you need is to take away the breech plug basically. After that, push the projectile and powder out of the barrel’s rear.

Once the muzzleloader is emptied, put your loading bar or your ramrod in the barrel. Do this critically before you incline your muzzleloading firearm against a nice shooting rest. Don’t forget to repeat this step. Forgetting this step will allow debris to fall in the barrel thereby blocking the touchhole.

Conclusion

Always remember that If your muzzleloader has not been fired in 30 seconds, you should re-prime the pan and attempt it once more. Hold on for an additional 30 seconds. If the muzzleloader still refuses to shot, use a CO2 discharger to take away the powder and projectile charge.

If the CO2 discharger fails to work, read through the owner’s manual to know more about the procedures. Obviously, emptying a muzzleloader likely requires more consideration than really shooting it. Also, it’s your obligation and duty to know the best possible approaches to unload it. I hope this article have really helped you.

More Hunting Gear & Resources

When To Plant Turnips For Deer? Find Your Answer Here

Are you ready to land the big one? Of course you are, but you need to be able to successfully bait the big one in, before you can add him to your trophy wall. One great way to do this is by introducing deer to turnips. However, you’re probably wondering when to plant turnips for deer, so you’ll have the best chance of success.

That’s exactly what we’re going to answer for you over the course of this article, so put the rifle down, and grab yourself a hot cup of coffee, because we’re going to tell you everything you need to know.

Why should I plant turnips and not something else?

There are tons of benefits when it comes to using turnips for deer bait, which I’m going to go over below, but you’re likely wondering why I’m such a fan of using turnips as deer bait. Honestly, turnips are very easy to grow, and I truly enjoy watching them grow.

It’s fun to watch as the taproot develops, and then the leafy top pops out afterwards. Also, I’m a fan of yummy food, and I, like deer, enjoy the taste of a good turnip. So, that’s why you’ll always find turnips in my garden.

Of course, you can grow whatever you like in your garden. I mean, turnips aren’t the only thing you’ll find in my garden, and they’re not the only crop that deer enjoy to munch down on. Therefore, I suggest you grow all the veggies you like.

Why are turnips so great for deer?

It’s a fact that deer absolutely love to raid gardens, and one of the things on their shopping list is turnips, because turnips give them a great bang for their buck (no pun intended).

Deer do not only enjoy eating the leafy top of the turnip, but they also love to eat the taproot, as well. Therefore, don’t be surprised when a deer takes off with the entire turnip.

However, there have been cases in which deer will take off with just the leafy top. If this happens, you have the best of both worlds — you’re bating in a deer, and you get to eat the taproot.

In addition to the fact that deer love the taste of turnips, they’re high in protein, so they’re very beneficial to the deer. Even though turnips are about 20% protein, they’re easily digestible for deer. Basically, a deer like at a turnip the same way us humans look at beef jerky.

FURTHER READING➜ Do You Know When To Plant Food Plot For Deer?

➜ When Is The Best Time To Plant Soybeans For Deer?

➜ How To Plant Chicory For Deer

So, how hard is it to grow these turnips?

Honestly, it’s not that hard at all. Turnips are extremely versatile, and can practically be grown on any type of soil. Turnips are also a very high yield crop, so you’ll have tons of turnips on your hands before you know it.

when to plant turnips for deer? When’s the best time to plant turnips for deer?

Now we’re going to get to the meat of things, as I like to say, and I’m going to hook you up with the info you need to get those crops planted in time for deer season. However, the best time to plant turnips is going to depend on the region in which you live, which I will go over below.

Before I get started on the best time to plant turnips, you need to keep one important thing in mind: turnips grow very quickly. That being said, you can expect turnips to reach maturity between 75 – 90 days. Keep this time frame in mind, so your crops will be ready for deer season.

Deer love to eat turnips after they’re mature, and they’ve gotten a good frost on them. This is due to the fact that the older leaves will have a more starchy and sugary taste, which deer like better. Younger leaves, on the other hand, will have a bitter taste to them.

Cooler climates

If you live in a cooler climate, such as a northern state, you’ll want to plant your crops in late summer, so they’ll be ready for deer season.

Warmer climates

If you’re a southerner, or live somewhere in which the weather is typically warmer, you can go ahead and plant your crops in the fall and they should be ready for deer season.

Was it as hard as you expected?

Shew! I know that was a ton of information to take in, but I truly hope you’ll walk away from this guide feeling like you’ve learned something.

We’ve covered why deer like turnips, how hard it is to plant turnips, the benefits of turnips, and when the best time is to plant turnips for deer.

If I’ve missed anything, or you have any questions, you can always leave a comment and let us know what’s on your mind.Also, feel free to bookmark this guide and refer back to it anytime. Now, go out there, get your hands dirty, and lure in that big one!

Slingshot Hunting Rabbit – How To Hunt A Rabbit With A Slingshot

Hunting a rabbit with a slingshot can be very exciting, it embarks you on a journey in the past, there is nothing like using a primitive weapon that makes the chase even more exciting, rabbits are a fast prey, that are very easy to scare. Sure, not all slingshots today have that primitive look, but you can always make a slingshot at home.

By following the simple steps explained bellow you will learn Slingshot hunting rabbit ethically and make the chase fun.

How To Make Your Slingshot DIY

If you are quite frugal and you won’t want to spend a dime on your slingshot, I have some good news, you can easily make one at home by using chained rubber bands and as ammunition 5/8 eye cat marbles or you can just use small, round stones, make sure they are heavy enough because their weight will make a difference in the strength of your shot.

Where To Hit A Rabbit

Hurting a rabbit and not killing him is considered unethical hunting, it causes the rabbit useless pain and you aren’t coming with a rabbit for dinner either.

It should come as no surprise that hitting the skull is the best way to kill a rabbit fast, however that’s not the only fatal shot.

The Skull

As I said this is an imminent death for the rabbit, doesn’t matter if you use stones or eye cat marbles but shooting at the head can be quite difficult, it’s a really small target, make sure your practice before you go out there after a rabbit.

The Atlas

Look at the image above, the atlas connects the skull with the cervical vertebrae, aiming at the atlas will result into a total disconnect from the nervous system to the brain.

For this you will have to use a heavier projectile.

The Cervical Vertebrae

The neck bone impact will either result in a paralysis or a total shut down, this also depends on the weight and the speed of the projectile.

Never Shoot Blindly At A Rabbit’s Body

Many people advocate shooting in the body, no matter the area as long as the weight and the speed of the projectile will do enough harm, however the rabbit will still have that kick to run, and because you damaged his body, he will still die somewhere, suffering of a slow and painful death.

If you aren’t confident enough in your shooting skills don’t aim at the atlas or at the cervical vertebrae, even thought those shot can be deadly, if the weight of the projectile is not heavy enough or if doesn’t hit with enough speed, the rabbit will only suffer a slow death.

FURTHER READING

➜ What are the Best Rubber Hunting Boots – The Hunter’s Guide

➜ Where To Shoot A Deer – Top 5 Best Places To Shoot A Deer

➜ Best AR 15 Bipod Reviews – The Best Bipod for AR15

Where Should You Look For Rabbits

Rabbits are small, fast creatures and they hide quite well, you can find for example cottontail rabbit in any environment where they can find a constant source of water and food but you can spot them better on railroads.

However hunting near a railroads is both challenging and fun, you have to be both careful at the trains that are coming and at the rabbits that you are hunting.

Industrial Sites

Are the perfect places for rabbits to hide, especially if they close to a field or they have plumber to hide.

They also hide in old houses that are being abandoned as long as the houses are close to a source of food and water , during the winter they hide under the building.

Deserts

Rabbits can be found of course in Desert habitats, in places that have brambles and bushes, maybe some tall grass where they can hide in. How to track rabbits down?

Look at roads that are being surrounded by one side and another by tall grass and bushes, if you want to look for where they actually live, just look at the tracks.

How to Prepare Yourself Before Hunting A Rabbit With A Slightshot

Bring with you a back up slingshot , that way you will avoid the wasted time on repairing your first slingshot, a pocket knife and a plastic bag.

Bring some matches, you never know if you need to make a fire, some drinking water and a snack, easy to carry and without any strong smell.

Make sure that early in the morning you don’t shower with heavy perfumed soaps, no aftershaves, no colognes or deodorant, and no shampoo just plain water.

When you are all dressed up, make sure you spray off. Use a a solution made from alcohol and Cedar wood oil as this is a natural insecticide that is lethal to ticks and fleas.

Ticks can be a serious problem and they can cause deadly illnesses, so it’s better to be on the safe side.

The Hunt

They are many stories out there about hunters who swear that whistling stops a rabbit that has bolted and they are plenty of videos like that on youtobe, personally I never used that tactic successfully, my biggest weapon is my silence and patience, another thing that I’ve learned from my hunting experience is that often the birds can tell you what’s happening around you.

If the birds are singing normally no other predator or human is around. Sometimes the raptors can give away where the rabbits are hiding.

Here you can see a hunter in action, going after a rabbit with a slingshot, video uploaded by Bill Hays.

What You Should Avoid Doing

Don’t bring with you any foods with a strong smell, carry with you a cereal bar or anything that doesn’t have a strong smell.

Don’t expose your face and hands, rabbits are very quick and once they ran, they are lost, if they notice you, you don’t have a second chance.

Don’t underestimate the power of the natural obstacles, don’t ever shoot a rabbit that is hiding after tall grass, the grass will make your shot less strong but still strong enough to damage the rabbit, the rabbit will die later, in pain, never try that, is unethical.

If you are a beginner who is just getting started, practice first, as easy it might seem like, aiming at a target is not as easy, no matter what weapon you are using, don’t shoot when other people are around either, a slingshot can be deadly or provoke a lot of pain for humans too.

Conclusion

Hunting a rabbit with a slingshot can be a fun, challenging way to bring yourself and your family a nice dinner on their table. If you want to buy yourself a slingshot and make yourself one, is up to you, hunting with a tool that isn’t as sophisticated reminds us of the old days od hunting.

If you have any questions about the steps written above or just about hunting a rabbit with a slingshot in general don’t hesitate to ask in the comments.

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