Need opinions

[Open-sights]

I have hunted the Merrill Ring Pshyyt tree farm for many years. This year, I was fortunate enough to be 1 of 3 people, of the 150 permits sold, to get a permit to shoot a bull, Rosie on the 60,000 acre property. 

I have seen many, many big elk in there over the years.  Last year during deer season, I watched several nice bulls. I can choose from early muzzloader during the first week of October, or I can hunt rifle season during the first couple weeks of November.

In October, many bulls should still be rutting and may be vocal. I'd be limited in range, but the deer season would not have opened yet and hunters would not have been all over the property

In November, the early deer season would be over and the bulls may be affected by the recent presence of hunters, but I'd have a rifle and my range and confidence with a rifle is better.

My experience is that it seems like I see more bulls scouting in September, and then still quite a few during the beginning of the deer season.

If it was you, what would you choose ?  Muzzle or rifle? 

[Taco280AI]

ML 

[Harbor_hunter]

ML 

Yep!

[mfswallace]

I'm more of a rifle guy but when I draw multiseason tags I take full advantage of using earliest available weapon before hunters mess up game patterns to much 

Increase practice with muzzy to increase confidence and effectiveness 

[bobcat]

That would be a tough decision. I'd say muzzleloader for sure but the downside is you only get 7 days, whereas with rifle you get 13. If you're comfortable with a muzzleloader that's probably what I would suggest.

[Open-sights]

Ok. Wil do.  I've shot 4 deer with a muzzleloader back in the day, all open sights, longest shot 110 yards, so,it's time to get another one and get back to the range I guess.  Anyone know of a TC BlackDiamond, XR for sale?  That's what I used to use. I used to use 405 grain Powerbelt with 110 grains Pyrodex.  Since then I've heard wonky things about the powerbelts. Never shot an elk with one, but I was always hunting in an area where elk was open, so,that's why the big bullet. Dropped blacktails dead. Would a copper jacketed PB work well?  What's the current, latest and greatest NW legal muzzleloader these days?  Thanks for all the input. 

[bobcat]

I wouldn't use Powerbelts for elk. There are too many other good bullets available nowadays. I'd look at either Bloodline bullets, or Barnes. As far as which muzzleloader, there are quite a few good options. The Knight Bighorn is popular. I have a CVA Optima that I just bought and really like how easy it is to clean. No tools are required to remove the breech plug.

[Open-sights]

Ok, thanks Bobcat. I'll check those out. What load do you like out of yours???

[HntnFsh]

Yep. I would be hunting that unit with a muzzleloader.  I would also be using my Bighorn!

[Grizman]

IMO, hunting near the rut is always the best bet.  Following the rut, those big boys really hold up for awhile to rest.  You have plenty of time to get that ML tuned up and go for it.  Best of luck.  Counting on seeing some great pictures!!

[nwhunter]

Congrats on the tag, I'm jealous. For a true rosey thats a great tag to have. Muzzie for sure. If you need some help I might have time to squeeze a few days in there. Should be able to get a nice bull if your picky. Good luck.

[tgomez]

Use a muzzle loader, get a cow call and a good cow decoy and you should be eating elk meat.