But in fact, the new rifles, better performing loads and the legalization of riflescopes during the muzzleloader seasons (in 36 states) has had directly the opposite effect.

Back when Tony Knight introduced his MK-85 in-line rifle, there were an estimated one million muzzleloader shooters in this country. Today, there are between 3.5 and 4 million shooters who own and hunt with muzzleloaders. The lure of shooting traditionally styled rifles of the past has had very little to do with this growth.

Muzzleloading has evolved into a true hunting sport. The vast majority of those who shoot a rifle of muzzle-loaded design do so because of the special muzzleloader big-game seasons, particularly for whitetails.

Corresponding with that growth in participation has been the expansion of muzzleloader hunting opportunities we now enjoy. Though a few states have held special muzzleloader seasons since the 1970s, most of such seasons now in place across North America have been established since the introduction of the modern in-line ignition rifles.

In many states, game managers have learned to rely on the muzzleloader harvest as a tool to help keep growing whitetail populations in check. In most states, hunters are not harvesting enough does, and smart deer managers welcome muzzleloader hunters with open arms.

Thanks to that need to increase the number of deer taken annually, it's unlikely that many deer managers will push for more restrictive muzzleloader regulations.

And who knows? Futuristic muzzleloaders like Savage Arms' smokeless powder Model 10ML II and CVA's new "Electra" electronic ignition models might even be given the chance to become popular!

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