Event Coverage, Western ML Hunting, NSSF Support, New Release From Knight | Muzzleloading News
This week, Knight Rifles introduced their new Knight Peregrine Long range .40 cal muzzleloading rifle. You can read more about this release here.
Montana Hunters Prepare for Traditional Muzzleloader Season
Earlier this year, Representative Caleb Hinkle’s “Heritage Muzzleloader Hunting Season” passed through the Montana legislature after leaving the Fish and Wildlife Committee.
With muzzleloader hunting seasons starting in several US States, and hunters in other states planning their hunts, we thought it good to highlight Montana’s latest hunting season. It’s hard to believe, but until this year, Montana was the ONLY state in the union without a muzzle loader hunting season. At just 9 days, it is a short but welcome season for muzzleloading enthusiasts.
Hunting Seasons Begin to Open
Western States are opening their early muzzleloader seasons! We’re seeing some great photos shared online. it’s great to see so many enthusiasts both new to the sport and veterans of the sport getting outdoors and carrying on the tradition.
With the first official day of Autumn now passed, muzzleloading and living history events are now in full swing. Check out the slideshow below and see if there’s an event in your area. Local muzzleloading events are key to the survival of the sport and offer a great place to learn about this great hobby.
Want your event featured? Please email it to ILoveMuzzleloading(A T)gmail.com and we’ll get it posted. This is a no charge service! We want to help you keep the sport going in your area.
Muzzleloading Highlighted by NSSF
This month, the NSSF published an article focusing on the growth of the muzzleloading market over the last year. The article highlights some key numbers and insights from important industry members about what they've seen, and where they think the market is going.
"Aaron Oelger, Hodgdon Powder VP of sales and marketing said recent sales represent the first real demand run that has affected not only smokeless powder, but black powder as well. Although COVID-19, political changes and social unrest all helped drive the demand for muzzleloading and black powder products, another factor entered into the rise in sales as well.
“People had a chance to take a breath,” he proposed. “They couldn’t go to the movies or to the beach, but if they had a gun, they could go shoot. I think people did the same thing with muzzleloaders.”
Oelger expects an increased level of demand to continue, at least to a certain extent.""
Notably, it was great to hear from the famous "Log Cabin Shop". We're used to seeing CVA, Traditions and Hodgdon talking in these industry magazines, seeing someone from the exclusively traditional market was a pleasant surprise.
“I think the modern ammo shortage and price increase drove people to look for alternatives,” she said.
Kindig also saw increased interest in visiting the Historical Center attached to the shop.
“People were looking for new things to do locally, and folks getting into the hobby are using it for an educational resource,” she said.
She expects to see some decrease in sales as we emerge from the pandemic.
“I hope the new people who are involved are going to continue with their enthusiasm,” she shared, “but I don’t look for the level of increase we’ve had.”
All in all, a busy week for muzzleloaders, and there's loads more we can't cover in one article or one video. Check out the blog at ILoveMuzzleloading.com for up to date muzzleloading news as it happens.