Flintlock deer seasons on Pennsylvania

Gil Martin

In Pennsylvania, we are fortunate to have two flintlock deer seasons with one for a week in mid-October (with many other types of muzzleloaders allowed) and a month starting the day after Christmas which is flintlock only. I live in an area that is blessed with many deer and limited public land access. Fortunately I have a number of local farmer friends that allow me to hunt their properties.

My last deer was taken with a .50 caliber flintlock in a picked cornfield behind my house. The deer surprised me because it was standing in the field and watched me load my Lyman Trade Rifle and I shot the deer in the ribcage at 75 yards. The deer stood there as I reloaded and shot it again in the ribcage. The deer took six steps and dropped. It was a button buck and weighed about 80 pounds. I butchered it on my kitchen table and it was like veal.

My wildlife management area has lots of deer and a month-long flintlock deer season (other wildlife management areas have shorter deer seasons). I have been shooting a .54 caliber flintlock Lyman Trade Rifle and a .54 caliber flintlock Lyman Great Plains Rifle at the range and am impressed with my 230 grain .530" round balls and FFFG black powder. Who else is getting tuned up for muzzleloader deer season? All the best...
Gil

slimjim

My area of Texas doesn't have a muzzle loader only season. Gil, your deer are well trained there.