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Hunting with primitive guns

HARRISBURG, Pa.– The Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg has some of the newest technology available for hunters. There are still some people who ar...

HARRISBURG, Pa.--

The Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg has some of the newest technology available for hunters. There are still some people who are hunting the way of their forefathers.

Jerry Heister, with the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, said he doesn't even use modern firearms anymore.

"I go at it with that I'm reenacting something that our forefathers did," he said.

He said using modern firearms is not as fun.

"I took it out one time, had a dear at 150 to 175 yards, I put the cross hairs on, pulled the trigger, and the deer dropped. I looked at my son and said this is too easy," Heister said.

He said the hunt with a muzzle loader adds more of a challenge as your first shot has to matter.

"I want to have the first possible opportunity to have a quick clean kill on the animal with that first shot," he said.

He said reloading takes more time than a modern gun.

"I'm going to say that without pushing it after the shot I can probably be loaded and ready again in about 30 seconds," Heister said.

He said he has had success with hunting with muzzle loaders. He has hit doves, squirrels, rabbits, and deer. He aims at a higher prize later this year.

"In may this gun will go to Quebec and hopefully take a bear," he said.

The hunt doesn't need to end with a kill for Heister. He said one of his most memorable hunts ended with no game shot.

"Go out there and enjoy the nature you're seeing, if you get a dear, that's a bonus," he said.

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