Here in NY, we have about 3 weeks until the early bear season, Sept 17,
regular firearms allowed. 4 weeks later, Oct 15, starts the northern zone deer and bear muzzleloader season, and the southern zone bow season. The muzzleloader season in the southern zone is
after the regular firearms season. Starts Dec 12. Go figure!
Anyway, If I get out for the early season, I'll still use my muzzleloader.
The only lies I'll have to swap, though, will probably be of the bears I see that are not getting into bird feeders, or garbage cans.