Muzzleloader season decisions

[D_Walt]

My 16 yo daughter drew a muzzleloader buck and a bull tag in the second draw. I know the unit really well and have hunted it 10 of the last 15 years and spent a week scouting every year in the summer during that time, but have never hunted Muzzleloader season. She won’t be able to hunt the full 9 day season, probably only 5 full days of hunting is all that can be squeezed in. I’m trying to decide if she’d be better off hunting the first 5 days or the last 5 days, or if it really even matters. Either way, she’s pumped and can’t wait to go. Thoughts on first half or second half of season?

 

[WildWill]

Man tough call! The Saturday opener will always be the most crowded of the whole 9 days. The last 5 the animals will have seen more pressure and been pushed around more. Depends some on your style to a degree. I
personally like to try and capitalize early so would go the first 5 days. Someone who's more into running and gunning might be more interested in the last 5 when the bugleing is more likely. Is splitting the difference a option or are you counting on the weekend to save a few school day absences?

 

[ccc23454]

Later! If you had the option to wait for weather forcast would be helpful but i always favor later in september. (For elk).

 

[COHunter67]

I always prefer the first part of the season for muzzle. Especially if you are trying to get a buck still in velvet.

 

[D_Walt]

Man tough call! The Saturday opener will always be the most crowded of the whole 9 days. The last 5 the animals will have seen more pressure and been pushed around more. Depends some on your style to a degree. I
personally like to try and capitalize early so would go the first 5 days. Someone who's more into running and gunning might be more interested in the last 5 when the bugleing is more likely. Is splitting the difference an option or are you counting on the weekend to save a few school day absences?

Pretty much trying to save a few school absences, trying to keep her down to missing only 3 full school days. Since it’s 1000 miles from our house it’s all got to be in one go. It’s tough to miss a whole week of school, especially early in the year. She has several Honors/AP classes and I don’t want her to get too far behind.

 

[jvanhoy]

Pretty much trying to save a few school absences, trying to keep her down to missing only 3 full school days. Since it’s 1000 miles from our house it’s all got to be in one go. It’s tough to miss a whole week of school, especially early in the year. She has several Honors/AP classes and I don’t want her to get too far behind.

Me and my son are heading out for CO muzzleloader also. At his school you can get approved for a family vacation and it not count against him. He just has to go to all his teachers and get them to sign off on it. I think they will assign him some work to do online so we will have to run to the campground and get Wi-Fi every couple days. Might be something to check on.

 

[Wallow]

If deer is priority, I'd hunt first 5 and if elk is priority, last 5.