The cough prevented me from going out hunting on October 22. This morning, however, after much thought, I left to pick up Bob around 8:30. I wasn’t coughing much at all.
I heard a shot somewhere over the ridge. I thought maybe Bob shot. Just as reached the crest I noticed a deer standing some 35-40 yards from me. The doe was partially concealed within the green briars. I determined the head was free of a rack and shot. The deer ran off and I continued searching for Bob. We came back within minutes and I began a search for signs of a hit. I did see some blood and the deer again.
I began a stalking style of hunting and saw the deer jump up and move ahead only to stop. I realized the deer was hit hard, but I knew what I needed to do too. I continued the stalk until, finally, I connected. The deer was a button buck. I didn’t know that until the hunt was over due to the amount of briars and tree-tops over much of the area.
Jeremiah, named after the Old Testament prophet
The smoothbore I have works flawlessly. It is a gun of high quality. Me, on the other hand, have difficulty using it at times. The muzzleloader has a front sight only. I need to take that sight and keep it low along the length of the barrel. This causes me to see a blurriness and a hazy shine on sunny days like today. I am certain our forefathers experienced such problems as , they too, aged. A fact: vision just isn’t as good as when they or us today get farther along in years.
Larry A. Smail's Blog 
I too wanted to get out for fall muzzleloader, however, I developed a blood clot in my left leg! BUMMER. Oh well, maybe next year. Then there’s always the late season flintlock. Know exactly what you mean by “getting older.” Althougth we’re supposed to get smarter, the eyesight grows a bit dimmer, along with the hearing and sensiitivty to the cold. Keep your powder dry!
Tom, I hope your leg is improving. Some senses are “headin’ south”, but, I would hate to not be able to walk about. I hiked somewhere between 8-10 (back road) miles today. I enjoyed it very much. Take care my friend!!