One shot challenge

BENSON -- The 'one-shot' challenge of hunting deer with a muzzleloader is old stuff to John T. Hutchinson of Benson.

And it is the old stuff that is exactly what the muzzleloader hunt should be about, he said.

"The history is the whole thing'' said Hutchinson, 81.

Hutchinson restores and builds what are called the primitive muzzleloaders, the flintlocks and percussion-fired long guns. He treasures most of all the history and lore of these long guns and the people who relied on them in our colonial and pioneer days.

With his flintlock Kentucky rifle in hand, and black powder in its horn, Hutchinson will be heading to the woods outside his home along the Chippewa River south of Benson today with the opening of Minnesota's muzzleloader season.

Hutchinson believes this is the 40th year that he has hunted deer with a muzzleloader.

Minnesota began offering an annual muzzleloader season in 1994. This year's season will run for 16 days, and may attract a record number of hunters.

The muzzleloader hunt continues to grow in popularity, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Over 13,000 muzzleloader licenses were sold in 2001. That was before all-season license could be purchased in place of it, which has made it difficult to know how many participate in the muzzleloader hunt. (This year's season again requires a separate muzzleloader license.)

Hutchinson was among the black powder enthusiasts who successfully convinced Minnesota to offer a separate season for muzzleloaders, sometimes referred to as ''smoke poles.''

Until then, Hutchinson carried his muzzleloader into the woods during Minnesota's regular firearm season when all of those around him were popping off five slugs at a crack from their semi-automatic shotguns.

His table never lacked for venison.

Yes, a muzzleloader limits a hunter to one shot, but that's exactly the point. Having the patience to wait for the right shot, and the skill and hours of practice to make it good, are what makes this sport so challenging and fun, he explained.

A muzzleloader offers another advantage. It's accurate.

Hutchinson has a standing challenge for a shoot-off at 100 yards. With his Kentucky flintlock, he has never lost even when up against challengers with scopes on their barrels.

Hutchinson said his love for muzzleloaders dates all the way to 1948, when he and a buddy tried out his friend's family heirloom.

Hutchinson grew up in northern Ohio. A career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service brought him to northern Minnesota and eventually to Benson. He settled on the land he calls "Hutch's Outpost'' along the Chippewa River.

Back in 1976, fellow black powder enthusiasts built a log cabin on this land. Its wood stove will be fired again this season as long-time muzzleloaders and friends return for the annual hunt with Hutchinson.

The wooded lands here are also host every year to firearms safety classes, campers from the local Scout troops, and family and friends who love to hike the woods and canoe and fish the Chippewa River.

Hutchinson is well-known for his shooting accuracy with a muzzleloader, and there is little question about how quickly he can point his barrel at his quarry. He's been preparing for this year's muzzleloader season by pheasant hunting with his muzzleloader.

But the love for the gun and its history only tells part of the story as to why this upcoming season is so special to him. Hutchinson said he loves the opportunity to be in the quiet of the woods with friends who enjoy and appreciate the hunt and history as much as he does.

1/2: The black powder is loaded in the pan. The flint will strike the frizzen, just above his thumb, and the resulting spark will ignite the powder which sends a flame through the ignition hole into the black powder that will ignite inside the barrel and fire the lead ball. Tribune photo by Tom Cherveny

2/2: John T. Hutchinson uses the ramrod to push a round ball down the barrel and into place for firing. Tribune photo by Tom Cherveny