First muzzleloading elk hunt...

[YampaValleyMountainMan]

OK, this is it!
I'm down to the one week mark before my first muzzleloader elk hunt in Colorado. I've killed my fair share of whitetail with a muzzleloader over the years, but that was back east on my family farm before I moved to Colorado 20 years ago.
I've taken eight elk, but all with a bow. I'm a seasoned and experienced elk hunter, but wanted to reach out to the collective to get any suggestions, or tricks of the trade, for muzzleloading for elk that anyone might have to offer.
I'm hunting with a T/C Hawken, percussion, 54 caliber with a round ball in southern Colorado.

 

[Dave Marsh]

I hope you are using real black powder. Other than that, I think you are all set having killed them with a bow.

 

[longcruise]

Pretty much the same as bow hunting. When I have hunted them in first rifle even though the rut is winding down the bulls are still excited at the idea of finding an estrus cow and can be really stupid over an in heat cow call.

 

[GANGGREEN]

I've always said that IF I ever hunted elk or moose, that it would be with a flintlock rifle (likely one that I built). I no longer have any real desire to big game hunt (at least nowhere near the desire that I used to have when I was younger), but I still think this would be fun. As others have said, you obviously know how to get close to your game and I can't imagine that making a good, effective hit on an elk with a .54 percussion rifle would be that difficult assuming you could get within 70, 80 yards or so (or maybe even a good bit further than that). Good luck, enjoy.

 

[Terry Lightle]

Nothing in the world like moose hunting,only done it with longbow and wood arrow but shot him at 6 yards,never elk hunted but would like to.

 

[YampaValleyMountainMan]

While I appreciate the tips and encouragement, I was looking for more "logistical" advice...

Ex. how to prepare for rainy weather with my Hawken, discharge tips for the end of the day, things like that...

Thanks!