My favorite September dates are from about the 10th toabout the 17th or 18th. I hunt all month long, but it seems these dates are usually when the Elk are getting all steamed up and just before they actually have their harems assembled. They are active before, but more hesitant. And certainly very active after, but much harder to get them away from their cows. So for me anyway, the perfect time in the woods is 10th to 18th. That certainly can vary depending on climactic conditions like drought and/or early snows. Don't know about muzzle season. But it would stand to reason that by that time, more activity in the woods means more bashfull critters. Harder to find.