Just curious what kind of pressure the muzzleloaders put on the elk in Colorado. We are planning a DIY out there next year and it looks like the peak rut may occur after muzzleloader season. Are we better off going before muzzleloader season?? Thanks in advance..

It depends on which unit you go to. Generally I've found that the elk will settle down by Tuesday or Wednesday in heavily hit areas.

Plus I've noticed that many ML hunters tend to leave before their closing weekend, or on the Saturday of closing weekend.

I agree with Bwana. We went this year during ML season, there was very little pressure from the ML hunters.

Thanks for the info!!

As long as you are willing to walk and get away from the road you will find elk. We got out there this year in the middle of muzzleloader season and had a great year. Seen more elk and heard more bugles then ever. six times i had elk close enough to shoot but i could not get a clean shot. Oh well there is always next year.