The first question a lot of people intrigued by the notion of muzzleloaders ask is: what’s a muzzleloader. In short, it’s any sort of weapon you load through the muzzle. Generally, you pack gunpowder, followed by wadding, a projectile and a bit more wadding into the muzzle of your weapon.

Muzzleloader hunting requires a special kind of dedication. You’ve got to be an ace shot because you’ll rarely have a chance to reload. You’ve got to enjoy maintaining your weapon because muzzleloaders provide the best results when they’re clean. And, you’ll have to be selective in terms of when you want to hunt and what you’d like to go after because muzzleloader seasons are different to the standard hunts in most states.

Safety, though important to all firearms handling, is exceptionally important in terms of muzzleloaders. It’s vital that you are familiar with the manual for your weapon, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and never overload your muzzleloader. Also, bear in mind that lead is poisonous – don’t eat while you’re handling it and keep it where children can’t possibly reach it.