Hang on. I want to get this straight. You chose to hunt with your wife in muzzleloader season with zero hunting experience. Then you're going with some friends in 2nd rifle, but won't be hunting yourself.

This is a bad plan. Why didn't you hunt with your friends who I assume have hunting experience?

Are you, and wife in good enough shape to haul out the meat from a bull elk from the mountains? Your hunt starts in a month.

My best advice is to turn in your muzzleloader tag, but an OTC tag, and hunt with your buddies.