Muzzleloading for Deer and Turkey

Muzzleloading for Deer and Turkey

By Dave Ehrig

472 pages, 6" X 9", hardcover: $29.95

ISBN 978-0-8117-9137-2

Reviewed by Mike Nesbitt

This is a book I spotted while at a Sportsman’s Warehouse recently. Naturally, I picked it up and began to glance through it. One of the first things noticed or read in this interesting volume was a photo caption beneath a closeup picture of a flint lock on an old original Henry rifle that said, “The flintlock is one of the most complicated and demanding rifle systems in American history. However, the satisfaction derived from mastering it has no equal.” After reading just that much, I bought the book.

Of course, flintlocks aren’t the only guns that are mentioned. All types of guns are mentioned: flintlocks, percussions, in-lines, and some others that are not muzzleloaders. One reason so many types of guns are mentioned is because this is a book for all readers, from beginners to the well experienced.

The beginners get some good attention right away in Chapter 1. That chapter is called, “An Introduction to Muzzleloading,” and it begins with history about muzzleloaders. That history is brief but it still covers a lot of ground in a rather good way, complete with some sketches that identify the parts of the muzzleloading flintlock rifle. From there the book goes to the types of muzzleloaders, giving a good introduction to all kinds of muzzleloading arms.

The next chapter is “Muzzleloading Gun Types and Tips,” and a whole lot is covered within those pages. This is where the evolution to cartridge guns is discussed along with examples of some of the blackpowder cartridges. Ballistics are also talked about in this chapter complete with charts listing the velocities of particular bullets over various powder charges.

The chapters of this book are actually more like sections because the first two chapters take us up to page 129, where Chapter 3 starts. Each chapter is divided further into more specific sections and while those long chapters do cover a lot of territory, the subjects are discussed completely as they go along. Chapter 3, by the way, is about “Powder and Ammunition,” and that is written about in depth enough to take us up to page 216, where Chapter 4 begins.

In Chapter 4 the reader is introduced to shooting and sighting-in. Then in Chapter 5 we begin to read about deer hunting. The author’s tips about deer hunting are some pretty good ones; I’ll be reading that chapter again. Then in Chapter 6 the reader is introduced to turkey hunting, and the tips and hints there are just as good as what he wrote for deer hunting.

Following the chapter about turkey hunting, there is a series of appendices that lists many hunting organizations, muzzleloading organizations, competitions and gun shows. And behind that some pages of safety tips are followed by a state-by-state rundown on muzzleloading hunting regulations. Finally is a very complete glossary of terms, which is very good for a book about muzzleloading. These last things were mentioned mainly to express just how complete this book about muzzleloading for deer and turkey really is, and in its completion it contains 293 black and white photos plus 15 illustrations.

Muzzleloading for Deer and Turkey is published by Stackpole Books, and it should be available in most bookstores. Also, it can be ordered by email from <www.stackpolebooks.com>. Retail price is $29.95 plus $5.50 shipping and handling.