RE: Colorado deadline
Colorado Muzzleloader is a very limited license. Of course each yr depends on # of applicants, and # tags given out for each area. But if you want to be sure you draw one someday, you'll want at least 2 pref. pts.. 3 is almost a guarentee.
In my opinion muzzleloader is the way to go. Its the 3rd wk of overall season, same as archery. You get first gun crack at Elk, and its in the heart of the rut.