Pennsylvania's late flintlock hunting season began Thursday, and hunters are beginning their retreats into the woods in search of deer.

Gone are the high-powered, reliably accurate rifles and thick crowds from earlier in the season. From Dec. 26 to Jan. 20, a thinner crowd of hunters take to the trees carrying old-fashion equipment. Along with flintlock firearms, the late archery season runs through the same period.

Jared Smith, 32, of Chicora said he looks forward to the season every year. He has participated annually since his father, Kevin, taught him how to fire a muzzleloader-style weapon.

“He's really good with the muzzleloader, I'm not sure how,” Smith said. “He still makes me look silly today.”

Smith planned to go out hunting Saturday to commemorate the start of the season. He and other hunters usually wait for snow to fall, but this year they're worried it'll come too late.

This is an excerpt of a story that appears in Sunday's Butler Eagle. Make sure you pick up your copy today or subscribe online.