What unit is it in? If all the elk tags for all seasons are limited, which it sounds like they are, the landowner can apply for up to 6 vouchers that he can give to anyone. They can use them for a tag for any season and can be used on private land or public. Therefore, if the landowner was willing to do it, you might be able to hunt with a muzzleloader next fall. He/she would need to " register" the land the first part of January. This is a new program, only a couple of years old, so he may not know about it. It is talked about on page 3 of the big game brochure.

If that is not an option, then I guess it depends on what elevation the ranch is at. If it is mainly high country, I would wait for the muzzleloader season. If it is lower country, and snow will drive the elk down onto the property, then go to the 4th season.