a quick hello

[KDubs]

from spirit lake Idaho to all my new friends.
 I have been a traditional bow hunter for 30+ yrs but always shot modern rifles. 
 I think that carrying a modern scoped gun made me a lazy hunter since I always thought if I saw it I could shoot it no matter the distance or weather.   just wasn't fulfilling to me. even though I would practice traditional methods, still felt I had the advantage.
 Swore I'd  never buy a muzzleloader, " too much maintenance , too many steps etc.) however with encouragement from a friend, Last year a bought a used never fired TC hawken .54 cal.  sidelock.  circa 1990s I'm guessing
 Came with all the extras included, balls , patches, lube, BP, flask, measure etc.  everything I could need , I thought.  best 200 bucks I've spent in awhile.
 Who knew BP smelled so good.  now I cant get enough, it has reinvigorated my desire to hunt , I really enjoy reading about the history and all the learning and tinkering I can do.
 Pretty much settled on PRB with 90gr BP.  tried the synth stuff but BP just seems right. kinda like wood arrows go with wood bows..
 any way just wanted to say hi and looking forward to a long wonderful journey.
 regards kevin

 
 
 

[BEAVERMAN]

Kevin, welcome to traditional muzzleloading and welcome to the TMA, plenty of good folks here and lots of knowledge, if you have a question, don't be afraid to ask, we're always happy to help!

[Ohio Joe]

Welcome to the TMA Kevin, and the traditional side of muzzle loading. 

That TC Hawken will serve you well. I have one in .54 caliber also, and 90 grains is pretty much a standard load in these rifles for hunting deer size game...

You're gonna have a great time!!! 

[rollingb]

Welcome to the TMA KDubs.     

[Doc Nock]

from spirit lake Idaho to all my new friends.
 I have been a traditional bow hunter for 30+ yrs but always shot modern rifles. 
 I think that carrying a modern scoped gun made me a lazy hunter since I always thought if I saw it I could shoot it no matter the distance or weather.   just wasn't fulfilling to me. even though I would practice traditional methods, still felt I had the advantage.
 Swore I'd  never buy a muzzleloader, " too much maintenance , too many steps etc.) however with encouragement from a friend, Last year a bought a used never fired TC hawken .54 cal.  sidelock.  circa 1990s I'm guessing
 Came with all the extras included, balls , patches, lube, BP, flask, measure etc.  everything I could need , I thought.  best 200 bucks I've spent in awhile.
 Who knew BP smelled so good.  now I cant get enough, it has reinvigorated my desire to hunt , I really enjoy reading about the history and all the learning and tinkering I can do.
 Pretty much settled on PRB with 90gr BP.  tried the synth stuff but BP just seems right. kinda like wood arrows go with wood bows..
 any way just wanted to say hi and looking forward to a long wonderful journey.
 regards kevin

you and I have a few things in common...

I too have hunted with trad sticks for more then a few years but I did love my "White Devil powder" gun (ya'll know where I learned that term who've been around here a while... )

First the eyes faded, along with mobility, but I still got the GPR and make Smoke now and then... been awfully wet here and now it's leaf mulching time and that is time consuming... i Used to have a sizeable garden and borrow a yard sweeper and sweep up leaves...that contraption died, I seeded most of that garden in grass cause it was too much alone so now I have to mulch leave with the mower and it is a lot more time consuming...

Alas, welcome... this be a good bunch of folks..quick to share and quite polite too!

[Hank in WV]

Welcome Kevin, glad you signed up.

[Nessmuk]

Hello Kevin, glad you're here. You'll never find a nicer bunch of Black powder Scalawags on the entire net.

[Bigsmoke]

Kevin, Welcome to the group.
So, you're in Spirit Lake, eh?  I would suggest you sign in with the Coeur D'Alene Muzzleloaders.  I think their shoots are over for the year, but their Christmas party is legendary.  Check them out.  And of course, there is their rendezvous in June.  I am sure hoping it happens next year, as we are planning on coming up for it.
Spokane has a pretty good group as well, the Spokane Falls Muzzleloaders.  And of course, there is the Hog Heaven Muzzleloaders in Moscow and another group in Pullman, WA, I think.  Not to mention a group in Louiston and one in Grangeville.  There used to be a group in Kellog, but I am not for sure if they are still active or not.  And in February, there is the CdA Muzzleloading Gun Show at the Fairgrounds.  This all is considering the old COVID thing doesn't get in the way in 2021.  So, there is no excuse for not getting really involved in this great sport.  You are in a terrific place to be involved.
Enjoy the heck out of it.

John )Bigsmoke)

[KDubs]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
 Big smoke I will definitely look into CDA muzzleoaders .
 I feel this will be a great ride.. There will be plenty of questions

[One Shot]

Welcome, glad you could join us at our fire...The TC is a durable muzzleloader and will serve you well....

[RobD]

Welcome to the TMA, Kevin!      

[Oldetexian]

 
Welcome aboard and glad to have ya!

And just for the record, I totally agree with ya...the smell of black powder can be addicting. It is the only way to go!

[Two Steps]

Welcome to the camp Kevin  glad ya found us.

[Doc Nock]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
 Big smoke I will definitely look into CDA muzzleoaders .
 I feel this will be a great ride.. There will be plenty of questions

I've gotten fine and courteous replies to any and all questions! I am sure you will also... Best $15/yr you can spend is to join this crew and help support them with a measily few $$

[Winter Hawk]

I'm always late to the party, it seems!  Welcome aboard, and thank you for the posting you have been doing.

~Kees~