we will be hunting colorado muzzleloader 2012. we will have our points by then and have selected an outfitter. any discussion of tactics during that season would be helpful.

Deer or elk? Inline or traditional?

elk, inline, drop camp, san juan mountains, unit 71

I'll assume you've hunted for elk in that unit with a CF?

All that's changed is you'll be in the rut now. Calling is important. The other thing is your range has been reduced to how far you can shoot open sights. You'll have to become a better hunter, and get closer.

You can only shoot bore size conicals. I recommend the Thor bullet and BH 209 powder. Barnes makes the bullets for Thor, and work as good as a conical can.

I can't help with your unit. I've never hunted it.

Good luck.

Your going to see some good mule deer in 71. Do you mind saying which outfitter you went with?

shoot the first 300" 6x6 you see!

In that unit, shoot the first legal bull you see if you are hunting public land! There are lots of elk in that area, but lots of hunters too. And if it is the third day of the hunt, shoot the first elk you see (should be an either sex tag).

Tactics: learning elk talk as mentioned above is important. I recommend getting some tapes/CDs from Elknut produtions: http://www.elknut.com/ He doesn't dress up a hunting video, he just tells you what the elk are saying and what to say back.

If you happen to be hunting with Circle K outfitters, you will be in good hands.