Blackpowder Accessories

EDITOR'S NOTE: Two of the fastest-growing sports in America today -- turkey hunting and black-powder hunting -- add a new dimension to both these sports. Combining these two sports also tests the mettle of the hunter more since he must be very precise, give forethought to the sport and employ all his woodsmanship skills for success. Black-powder hunting for turkeys also provides an added challenge and makes the trophy far more valuable and more exciting to hunt than when you utilize conventional weapons.

Here's some of the accessories many black-powder turkey hunters consider essential.

Sling -- Many black-powder turkey hunters prefer to have slings on their shotguns. Just because you're carrying a black-powder gun doesn't mean your hunt for the gobbler will be any different. Since often you'll have to cover long distances in a day, a sling can make carrying a gun much more comfortable.

Nipple Protector -- A hard plastic nipple protector will allow you to carry your gun at half cock with the cap on the nipple without the danger of the gun going off. By utilizing a nipple protector, you also can cock your gun when you sit down to call a gobbler. You can leave the nipple protector on the nipple until the turkey's close and then simply slide the nipple protector off the nipple to be ready to fire. This system eliminates your having to cock the hammer and the turkey's possibly hearing the click of the hammer's being cocked and being spooked.

Cap Guard -- This device is a small plastic ring which secures the cap to the nipple.

Muzzle Protector -- Many black-powder turkey hunters like some type of muzzle protector and may choose rubber finger cots. This soft latex rubber protection can be rolled over the end of the barrel and prevents moisture from getting in the barrel but doesn't prohibit the smooth flow of the shot out of the barrel.

Recoil Pad -- A recoil pad on the butt of the shotgun allows you to shoot without receiving a blue shoulder which often accompanies shooting a black-powder shotgun many times during one day.

Fiberglass Ramrod -- Another modification many black-powder hunters like is the fiberglass ramrod, since hunters often break the wooden ramrods.

Cleaning Jag and Patch Puller -- Carry an extra cleaning jag and a patch puller just in case you get your cleaning jag stuck and lose a patch down the barrel while cleaning it. Without these two accessories, your hunt will be spoiled.

Speedloaders -- Many black-powder hunters enjoy using speedloaders to carry additional powder charges and shot into the field. The speedloader lets you pre-measure your shot and powder and put these loads in small cylinders you can carry in my shirt pocket with several overshot patterns and the same number of shot cups. Then you greatly reduce the amount of equipment you must carry in the field if you need to reload while hunting.

Possibles Tool -- A problem you face when black-powder hunting turkeys is carrying all the tools in the field to solve any problems you may have with your shotgun including nipple picks, nipple wrenches, screwdrivers, knives and other equipment. This equipment can weigh you down and be clumsy to carry. But a possibles tool that folds up like a Swiss army knife will contain several tools in one, compact, knife-like accessory.

Although you can carry many other accessories for black-powder hunting, this equipment mentioned can fit easily into the hunter's pants pockets or his hunting vest.

To learn more about CVA's black-powder guns, call (770) 449-4687; email info@cva.com; or, see the catalogue online.

To learn more about hunting turkeys, go to Night Hawk's home page, and click on books to find out information about John Phillips' three turkey-hunting books: "The Masters' Secrets of Turkey Hunting," "Outdoor Life's Complete Turkey-Hunting Book" and "Turkey Tactics." Call (800) 627-4295 to order.

TOMORROW: Tricks of the Trade