Late Muzzle Season

[hc3006]

Never have tried the late season and unfortunately the only way I'm going to be able to use my muzzleloader this season is in late Nov. Anyone have something to say on the late elk for muzzleloaders?

[JimmyHoffa]

I like the season, but here's a few things I've noticed about late season (wetside).
Usually last to chase the elk, but everyone else is pretty much cleared out of the woods (shroomers/brush pickers/day-trip-target shooters/etc).
Weather is usually good and cool, but tends to be rainy which affects some muzzys.
My experience has been that it has been cold enough that frost freezes all the leaves on the ground making it sound like walking on broken glass.  And it takes forever to melt out in the trees, so it is constantly dripping and sounding like some movement when the drips hit the frozen leaves.
Vegetation has died back such that you can see farther, but the elk can too.

[bobcat]

First, be sure you have a westside tag if you are only able to hunt the late season. There is nothing on the eastside open for late season that's worth hunting, unless you live over there and are extremely familiar with a specific unit.

There aren't many good units open over here either. But at least you have a chance. Success rates are still very low. It's not an easy time to hunt elk, especially if you're in a bull only unit.

[fair-chase]

First, be sure you have a westside tag if you are only able to hunt the late season. There is nothing on the eastside open for late season that's worth hunting, unless you live over there and are extremely familiar with a specific unit.

There aren't many good units open over here either. But at least you have a chance. Success rates are still very low. It's not an easy time to hunt elk, especially if you're in a bull only unit.

  That is some sound advise right there.

[deerslyr]

 

Buddy and I did it for a few years and hunted most of the units out there 503,505,667, and 652. Never did see an elk but it was always fun to get out in the woods that time of year. Like said before its tough huntin. Not impossible but tough. We didnt put much time into it just more of an excuse to get out after striking out in the early season. All of the units I listed have elk in them just have to find em.

[hc3006]

Thanks for all your inputs. Looks like I may get a few days in the early season but I still need to get my elk camp fix in so late season it is.