I don't see much difference between compounds and crossbows, either. But then I'm a sightless one-piece recurve & wood arrow hunter. ;-) Most of mine cost less than $120 from garage sales or classifieds; though I do have one modern recurve that I bought new.


But that's a path I set for myself and don't expect others to follow the same one. I can shoot 20 yards in my basement and do almost every day to keep my eye and reflexes in.

As far as muzzleloaders - it's one shot. How you make it is less important than how you hit the animal. I m/l hunt with a flintlock because I like them. And they do work in the rain; if you do it right. Until two seasons ago in this part of NY a centerfire rifle wasn't allowed for deer so I used my flintlock rifle quite regularly for deer. It's fine past 100 yards with a .54 cal round ball (230 gr).

I grouse hunt with a flintlock shotgun - weighs seven pounds (42" barrel) and it is a beauty. It's all good.