Voices of Prois...Blackpowder, Baby!

By:  Prois Staffer, Roanna Snebold

Sometimes a simple analogy from your husband can make you stop and appreciate things differently.

Or make you stare directly into his soul and question why he put you in for a tag you weren't entirely sure about in the first place.

We live in a world that moves faster than ever. Everything is instant. Information, communication, shopping, entertainment, even dinner delivered right to our doorstep. At the snap of a finger, we get what we want. We've become so accustomed to convenience that if a webpage takes more than a few seconds to load, or the Wi-Fi goes down for five minutes, it feels like the world is ending.

Apparently, my husband thinks I needed a reality check.

Even in hunting, technology has given us tools that make things easier, faster, and more efficient. And while there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, there's something special about understanding where it all started and gaining a new appreciation for how far we've come. 

So naturally, I'm going to learn backwards.

That's why I'm excited to have drawn a muzzleloader tag.

Or am I?

For me, it's an opportunity to slow down and step back in time. Learning black powder hunting forces you to be intentional. It makes you take your time, steady yourself, and focus on every step of the process. It's a reminder of what hunting was like years ago, when success depended more on patience, skill, and getting close to the animal than on equipment.

In many ways, it's a true test of skill.

A slight eye squint, a slow head nod, and a reluctant "...well, I have the tag now."

Time to dial in. Let's go.

With a muzzleloader, there are no quick follow-up shots. No flick of the wrist and another round ready to go. If you miss, you're not simply chambering another bullet. You're suddenly in a very precise panic, trying to reload while questioning every decision that led you to that moment.

That's a lot of pressure. I don't care who you are.

Every shot matters. You have to know your rifle, understand your abilities, recognize your limits, and be ready when the opportunity presents itself.

You can prepare for everything imaginable, but when the moment comes, it could be smooth and flawless, or it could look like a yard sale of gear scattered across the mountain followed by an unexpected foot pursuit. Hunting has a funny way of reminding you that no plan survives first contact with reality. 

But that's part of the appeal.

There's something honorable about it. It's a lesson in patience, preparation, humility, and respect for the hunt. In a world that rarely slows down, black powder reminds you that not everything should be rushed. 

It's a chance to experience a small piece of the past, embrace the challenge, and enjoy a little taste of the Old West.