You live in Eastern WA.. you've never hunted elk there? You're closest to the Yakima herd but of course have the Blue's and Spokane area. I've hunted the Yakima herd for years southwest of Ellensburg.. but only with rifle and bow. They will be very scattered during muzzleloader just like during bow and even rifle. Pick and area, scout it and hunt hard is the only advice I can give because Elk don't give up the game easily!