How would a hunter safely unload a muzzleloader?

Firing into a suitable target is the correct method for safely unloading a muzzleloader. This approach ensures that the firearm is completely discharged in a controlled manner, which minimizes the risk of an accidental discharge or mishap. When a muzzleloader is fired into a suitable target, it allows the hunter to safely and effectively expel the projectile, making the gun safe for handling afterward.

The other options, while they may seem like alternatives, do not follow the safest practices for unloading a muzzleloader. For instance, opening the breech and pulling the trigger may not necessarily unload the gun safely if there is a live round present. Leaving the bullet in the barrel contradicts the fundamental goal of unloading the firearm, putting the hunter and others at risk if the gun were to become operational again. Pouring water into the muzzle could damage the firearm or create dangerous situations if not done correctly, and it does not ensure that the gun is unloaded. Therefore, discharging the firearm into a safe target remains the most effective and responsible means of ensuring a muzzleloader is unloaded.