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!

 

[longcruise]

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!

When I hunted in a rainy place one year I carried a sort of vinyl/oilcloth slip on cover. It was made by Browning but I don't see one like it anymore. This one below is by Browning and it might work for you if it's long enough. One made for a shotgun would be better.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/102332239?pid=465720

The DIY guy inside me says to make one by gluing it up out of an oilcloth table cloth. Ot canvas duck with waterproofing.

Something that I do for safety but might also be helpful and that is I have a thickish circle of leather with a piece of Leather lace tied to to the trigger guard. I put the leather circle over the cap and let the hammer down on it. You could do the same with no cap on the nipple.

I don't concern myself with covering the muzzle since my rifle not carried muzzle up. Plus, if using a grease type lube on your patch what little moisture that gets in the bore will be stopped by the grease seal.

As far as discharging at the end of the day day, I never do that unless the gun has been fired and reloaded during the day. I've never had a failure to fire after being loaded for many days.

I read of people firing a fouling shot before the hunt but never do that and never pop a cap before loading.

Good luck with your hunt.

 

[Blackpowderart]

I leave my turkey hunting snoothebore loaded all season until I get on a bird. If rain was a concern I would put a black piece of duct tape over the end of the muzzle and you could simply shoot as is or peel it off. A good fitting cap will keep moisture out of the breech. I personally dont lower the hammer down on a capped nipple. If the hammer gets hung up on brush or anything else, enough that the leather falls out and not enough to reach half-cock....the gun could fire unintentionally. My half cock notch is deep and i feel safe walking around on half cock. The cap itself is a great seal. Be safe and good luck. Post photos please