For the hunter who's just starting out or is thinking of making the switch to black powder, Meredith advises buying a shotgun that has an interchangeable barrel system. For small game, he recommends the BPI Optima Pro shotgun. If the hunter decides that he wants to pursue other game such as deer, then he needs to purchase only the rifle barrel in either .45 or .55 caliber. This is an effective way to test the sport without spending a great deal of money.

Another feature of blackpowder hunting is the cloud of smoke that results from firing the gun. Most of us are used to seeing our target when we hit it. With a cloud of black smoke in the air, that can be difficult.

When firing a muzzleloader, Meredith says that we need to learn to look under the smoke. Smoke will rise, so the shooter needs to look beneath it.

"Don't look at where you shot, but where you expect the squirrel to fall," says Meredith. And use your ears! You'll know the squirrel was hit when you hear it hit the ground.

Also, that cloud of smoke you see means that you need to clean blackpowder weapons much more frequently than their modern counterparts. They do need to be cleaned after every use before you store them.

All powders, whether real black powders or the synthetic versions that produce less smoke, are corrosive to some degree. You should clean the barrel inside and out.

And with the proper cleaning accessories that each manufacturer recommends, it is easier than ever.

Blackpowder hunting is for those who are ready for a greater challenge. But it's also for those who just want to experience the hunt as our forefathers did. You don't need to be an expert hunter to make the switch to black powder.

More importantly, if you use blackpowder weapons and learn to overcome the challenges presented by this traditional way of hunting, you'll become a better hunter as a result.

The entire process is rewarding, and bagging a squirrel in the course of the hunt just adds to your reward.

For more information on blackpowder firearms and hunting, or to obtain an instructional video, visit Connecticut Valley Arms website at www.cva.com.

Or call their customer service department at (770) 449-4687.