Flintlocks hold a special place in our hearts as muzzleloading enthusiasts. This ignition system fed generations of Americans, they were the start of the marksman American trope, and helped us gain independence from a world super power. These feelings are represented each year in the Pennsylvania Flintlock Only Season.

In a tribute to Pennsylvania’s storied connection to the flintlock rifle, each year hundreds if not thousands of hunters lay down their modern rifles and return to the 18th century to take game the way our forefathers did. As of writing, PA is the only state in the union to offer an exclusive hunting season for the fabled flintlock muzzle loading rifle each year and while we’d love to see more states bring this season to their citizens, it is a special point of pride for PA hunters to have this special time in the woods.

The season even sparked a new rifle from Traditions Firearms. The PA Pellet was seemingly introduced as a flintlock for modern firearms enthusiasts wanting to straddle the old ways and new innovations.

The season runs from Monday, December 27, 2021 to January 17, 2022 and allows hunters to take one antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. Hunters all over the state celebrate this special season, sometimes more than the Christmas Holiday that comes just before the season starts. Many see this four week season as an extra holiday to ring in the new year, all while partaking in some self reliance.

Here at I Love Muzzleloading, we’re wishing all the Pennsylvania Longhunters young and old a happy flintlock season.