Thompson/Center Arms Dream Season Omega Muzzleloader

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Annapolis, MD --(Ammoland.com)- Maryland’s late muzzleloader season for deer opens on Saturday, December 18 and continues through January 1, 2011. The early winter season is popular with deer hunters and affords them the opportunity to pursue their favorite game with a different type of firearm.

“Muzzleloader hunting is a great opportunity for hunters to enjoy more time in the woods with friends and family,” said DNR’s Deer Project Leader Brian Eyler. “Last year approximately 35 percent of our muzzleloader hunters were successful in harvesting at least one deer.”

Deer hunting regulations vary between the two Deer Management Regions in Maryland. Region A consists of Garrett and Allegany counties and, new this season, the western half of Washington County. Region B includes eastern Washington County and the remaining 20 counties.

Bag limits, season dates and other deer hunting information can be found on the DNR website at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide and in the 2010-2011 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping issued with each hunting license. Hunters are reminded to carefully inspect all permanent and portable tree stands before each use. Harness style safety belts should always be used while climbing into or out of a tree stand and while in the stand.

The DNR website has tips and a video on tree stand safety that all hunters are encouraged to become familiar with at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/ts.asp. Hunters are reminded to always exercise the fundamental commandments of firearms safety while afield. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors.

DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland’s forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland’s effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state’s number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI –-(AmmoLand.com)- The close of the nine-day gun deer hunt also signals the opening of the 10-day, muzzleloader deer hunt that runs from Nov. 30 through Dec. 9. The muzzleloader hunt is statewide with the exception of most state parks. There is also an ongoing deer hunting season through Dec. 9 in designated metropolitan, or metro, units due to higher deer populations near some urban areas. Check the current deer hunting regulations for details.

Following the muzzleloader hunt is a four-day antlerless deer hunt running Dec. 10 through 13 statewide except in state parks and in Menominee County.

“The later seasons generally are more relaxed and less crowded,” said Keith Warnke, big game ecologist for the Department of Natural Resources. “It’s a quieter time in the woods that many hunters find enjoyable and it extends the hunting season.”

The late archery deer season also started on Nov. 30 and runs through Jan. 3, 2010. Archers and small game hunters are reminded that they must observe blaze orange clothing requirements during the muzzleloader and December antlerless deer hunt seasons.

License sales officials say there are unit-specific antlerless deer tags are still available for some regular units for $12 each. Antlerless deer tags for herd control units and earn-a-buck units are available for $3 each.

Visit the deer hunting pages of the DNR Web site for details on license requirements, permit availability, bag limits and harvest rules. For additional questions call the toll free 1-888-WDNR-INFo (888-936-7463) line for answers. The line is staffed 7a.m. to 10 p.m. 7-days per week

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke – (608) 264-6035

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Excellent deer hunting opportunities remain in Nebraska as the muzzleloader season arrives, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The season runs Dec. 1-31.

The recently completed firearm season proved that plenty of deer and large bucks are available. Those firearm hunters were hampered somewhat by the lagging corn harvest, but conditions are improving for December as that harvest continues.

A muzzleloader permit is valid statewide and has a bag limit of one deer of either sex and one antlerless white-tailed deer. The limit may be filled in any order.

“We encourage hunters to take antlerless female white-tailed deer,” said Kit Hams, big game program manager with the Commission. “The use of binoculars or scopes will help hunters avoid buck fawns, which often are more visible than adult does or doe fawns. By this time of year, the small antler ‘buttons’ are 1-2 inches in length and visible.”

There is an unlimited number of muzzleloader permits available again this year. Last year, 15,199 permits sold and 6,946 deer were taken.

Now that the firearm season has closed, hunters again have the option of checking deer electronically or at a check station. Hunters may check electronically by going to NEdeercheck.com or calling toll-free (800) 405-7700 at any time.

The Deer Exchange remains available, too. Donors and recipients of venison may register for free at ngpc.state.ne.us/hunting/programs/deerexchange/.

Open Fields and Waters Program lands, popular with firearm hunters, are a good option for muzzleloader hunters. This program has more than 36,000 acres of private land available for public walk-in hunting access. Check the 2009 Nebraska Public Access Atlas for tracts in each county.

Permits may be purchased at Commission permitting offices and at OutdoorNebraska.org. A habitat stamp is required of all deer hunters, except residents age 15 or younger.

For more information on deer hunting, visit OutdoorNebraska.org or read the 2009 Nebraska Big Game Guide.

Ohio Division of Wildlife

ATHENS, OH –-(AmmoLand.com)- Muzzleloader hunters took 474 deer during last week’s early muzzleloader deer hunt according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Hunters took 271 deer at Salt Fork Wildlife Area, 159 deer at Wildcat Hollow and 44 deer at Shawnee State Forest. During last year’s early muzzleloader hunt, hunters took a total of 568 deer for the season; 315 deer at Salt Fork Wildlife Area, 162 deer at Wildcat Hollow and 91 deer at Shawnee State Forest.

The early muzzleloader season was open October 19 through October 24. The season allows for the harvest of antlered and antlerless deer, with the $15 antlerless deer permits valid for use.

Ohio’s various deer hunting seasons coupled with a healthy population gives hunters a good opportunity for success. Archery season opened September 26 and runs through February 7, 2010. Youth deer gun season is November 21 and 22. Deer gun season will open November 30 and extend through December 6, and be open for a weekend hunt on December 19 and 20. The statewide muzzleloader season is January 9 through 12, 2010.

Hunters interested in donating venison to food banks are reminded that the ODNR Division of Wildlife has collaborated with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as funding for the effort lasts. More information about this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org

For additional information on all of Ohio’s deer hunting seasons and requirements, hunters are advised to review the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Information is also available online at www.wildohio.com

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(AmmoLand.com)- The week-long primitive weapons deer hunting season begins Saturday, Oct. 10. During primitive weapons season, hunters may use archery equipment (including crossbows), muzzleloading shotguns (20 gauge or larger) and muzzleloading firearms (.44 caliber or larger).

“Our primitive weapons deer season provides hunters the opportunity to hunt with traditional or inline black powder firearms or to continue hunting with archery gear,” said John Bowers, assistant chief of Game Management for the Wildlife Resources Division.

“Hunters are allowed to hunt either-sex deer during this week-long opportunity. Primitive weapons hunters have a wide variety of options depending on their personal choices and needs without being burdened by complex regulations.”

More than one million acres of public hunting land is available to hunters in Georgia, including more than 100 state-operated wildlife management areas where special hunts are offered throughout the season, including primitive weapons hunts. Dates and locations for these hunts are available in the 2009-2010 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide, and WMA maps are available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

During the 2008 primitive weapons season, 58,264 hunters harvested 16,897 deer – a harvest rate that has remained relatively stable in recent years.

Hunters are allowed a season total of ten antlerless deer and two antlered deer (one of the two antlered deer must have a minimum of four points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers).

Under the new hunting and fishing license sales system, the primitive weapons license is no longer required to hunt during archery and primitive weapons seasons. However, a valid hunting and big game license is required, as is a deer harvest record. In most cases, a separate WMA license is required to hunt on a WMA.

All hunters, including archers, must wear at least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange above the waist during primitive weapons season. Scopes and other optical sighting devices are considered legal for muzzleloading firearms and archery equipment.

Georgia is considered the top destination in the country for non-resident hunters and continues to draw tens of thousands of deer hunters from across the country each year. The state’s quality deer herd and the more than one million available acres of public hunting land serve as the main appeal.

For more information on deer hunting seasons and regulations, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

Traditions Firearms Vortex Muzzleloader in Mossy Oak

Traditions Performance Firearms

Old Saybrook, CT --(AmmoLand.com)- Traditions Performance Firearms, known for their extremely accurate and dependable muzzleloaders, introduces the new Vortek. Adding to their innovative line of break open muzzleloaders, Traditions raises the bar with even greater features for 2009.

The heart and soul to the Vortek is a newly designed break open action, alloy frame with a “drop-out” trigger assembly designed for easy cleaning. The ergonomics of the over-molded buttstock and forearm provide extra grip and greater balance when pushing the limits for a successful hunt. With safety in mind, Traditions has skeletonized the action release, allowing the use of standard trigger locks for storage or travel. The Accelerator breech plug has found its way into the long list of features that accompany one of the most innovative muzzleloaders ever engineered by Traditions. The Accelerator Breech Plug releases with three quick revolutions using no tools. Simply twist the Accelerator Breech Plug and loosen until it is removed from the barrel for easy cleaning.

The Vortek is a high performance muzzleloader that comes with a 28”, 1:28 twist barrel and Williams metal sights. The weather-resistant finish on the frame and barrel help increase the durability and protect the finish during those extreme days in the field. The 209 ignition and 150 grain magnum loads proves reliable and consistent groups out to 200 yards. The PAS (Projectile Alignment System) guarantees reliable bullet seating for increased accuracy and no bullet starter is needed!

The Vortek is available in a standard or ambidextrous thumbhole stock in an overmolded black or Mossy Oak® Treestand® soft stock finish for a better grip in inclement weather. Sure to be a favorite amongst the muzzleloading crowd, this new smokepole comes with features and a price that is sure to fit into your budget!

Traditions – Easy to Use, Easy to Clean, Easy to Shoot!

For more information on Traditions Performance Firearms complete line of products, please visit their website at www.traditionsfirearms.com.

About:
At Traditions Performance Firearms our firearms have been designed by engineers who are also hunters and outdoorsmen. They know what fit, feel and function is all about and make sure that every Traditions firearm meets our high standards of firepower, performance and value.

We build muzzleloaders and shotguns you can rely on and be proud of for years to come. As a matter of fact, many new Traditions customers are the result of recommendations from hunting buddies. This speaks of the quality and value of our firearms much more than we could ever hope to.

Knight Rifles

Decatur, AL - -(AmmoLand.com)- Modern Muzzleloading, Inc. is announcing today that it will close its Knight Rifles division (“Knight”) in Decatur, AL effective June 30, 2009. The decision to close the Knight operation resulted from an overall industry downturn.

This closure will not affect service of Knight Rifles’ products. Customer service for wholesale and retail customers will be provided by Modern Muzzleloading, Inc. All warranty, non-warranty, and replacement part services will remain in place for the various customer categories and all customers will have access to experienced service personnel for consultation, questions, and repair of Knight products (in serviceable condition.) Sales of Knight’s parts and accessories will be also be handled by Modern Muzzleloading, Inc.

Until June 30, 2009, you are requested to continue to use your regular customer contacts and service department personnel. Prior to Knight’s closure on June 30, 2009, you will be provided with new customer service contact information.

Modern Muzzleloading, Inc. will continue to operate the office functions for Knight so as to provide continuity for its customers and vendors until resolution is concluded.

Knight Rifles’ management and staff would like to extend its appreciation to all of the Knight customers for the support of Knight’s products over the years.

About:
Tony Knight worked several years for the Rock Island railroad company in Illinois. As times changed Tony was laid off and moved home to Missouri. Being an avid hunter and gunsmith, Tony opened up a shop in his home doing repairs and selling firearms. Several of Tony’s customers had drawn muzzleloader Elk tags and had had bad luck with the inclement weather they had encountered during their hunt. Several misfires from there flintlocks had made for an unsuccessful hunt. After coming home and speaking with Tony about their hunt, Tony started working on a much more reliable ignition system that would retro fit their muzzleloaders. After reading several books and articles on muzzleloading Tony ran across an older 1800’s version of in-line muzzleloading. From that article, Tony used his tools and knowledge to make the first modern day in-line muzzleloader in 1985. The MK-85 was named after his daughter Michele Knight. Tony’s idea became well known throughout the next several years and he moved the company to Centerville Iowa where the company resides to this day. In 1997 Tony once again shocked the muzzleloading world with the Knight DISC rifle which has set the standard for all muzzleloaders today.