Killing a deer is rarely easy during the late muzzleloading season. But that is part of the challenge -- and joy -- of hunting now. I failed to kill a deer this past muzzleloader season, even though I went afield 11 times. But as always, I eagerly anticipate this season, and once again will try to figure out what the whitetails of western Virginia are eating and where they are bedding. And if I should smoke a doe, doing so will be a real cause for celebration.

Find more about Virginia fishing and hunting at: VirginiaGameandFish.com