Alternative Methods Season Provides More Deer Hunting Opportunities
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I haven’t avoided deer hunting—I just haven’t seen many deer this year. As it says in Matthew 6:24: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.” My outdoor passion is hunting waterfowl. While it’s possible to hunt both deer and waterfowl, the combination can be grueling. With 5:30 a.m. wake-ups for duck and goose hunts, heading back into the cold to hunt deer isn’t always appealing, especially when deer sightings are scarce.
For those still holding onto unused deer tags, there’s hope. The antlerless deer season runs Dec. 7–15, and the Alternative Methods season follows Dec. 28–Jan. 7. As always, verify dates in the hunting digest or online.
Years ago, the Alternative Methods season was known as the black powder season. While some hunters prefer the nostalgia of traditional muzzleloaders, others embrace modern inline models. Personally, I enjoy both. I’ve taken deer with a traditional Hawken rifle and a CVA Wolf inline muzzleloader, each providing memorable experiences.
One favorite hunt involved my customized Thompson Center Hawken, which had been converted for a more traditional look with buckhorn sights, a browned barrel, and trade tacks on the stock. The .45-caliber rifle looked as if it belonged in another century.
That evening, I left work early and donned period-style hunting clothes: drop-front pants, a large shirt, and knee-high moccasins. Along a ridge, I spotted rubs and a scrape near a dry creek bed below. I settled against a tree and soon saw an eight-point buck walking along the creek. As it closed the distance to 70 yards, I cocked the hammer and raised the rifle. I aimed for the shoulder, fired, and watched the buck vanish in a cloud of smoke. Moments later, it reappeared, running in a tight circle before collapsing within feet of the shot. The bullet had hit the lungs, and the hunt remains a cherished memory—not for the trophy, but for the experience.
I’ve also made lasting memories with my CVA Wolf inline muzzleloader. One frigid hunt stands out, with temperatures at 4 degrees and 5 inches of snow on the ground. After preparing the rifle with powder pellets, a Hornady bullet, and a 209 primer, I climbed into my stand and lit a propane heater.
As the hunt neared its end, a group of deer entered the field, including a large doe. At 70 yards, I steadied the crosshairs behind her shoulder and fired. Again, smoke obscured my view, but I heard the impact. Tracking her into cover, I found she had run just 30 yards before going down. The bitter cold and challenging conditions made this hunt unforgettable.
No matter your weapon, hunting during the Alternative Methods season can create memories worth cherishing. There’s still time to make them.
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