My buddy and I just drew an area 67 muzzle loading tag. I've hunted across the road in area 551 over 20 years ago so have very limited knowledge of the area. Would like advice on likely areas in the unit to start researching. I know the area got hit with a bad winter but have talked to the game warden of the area who claims that this area wasn't hit real bad. Thanks in advance for the advice.
Area 67 mule deer advice muzzle loading
- Thread starter sdebrot
- Start date
Hah!!!! Looks like we're in the same boat. Pretty sure between you two and I we have all the NR tags. There's alot of info here on past threads about deer and elk. I'm pouring over info and Google Earth brewing up a game plan. Looks like some great country regardless of success. BTW how many points did it take for you to draw?
I had five and my buddy drew with four. We were the last two in. Really didn't think we would draw. I have somewhat of a game plan based on earlier advice from other members but it never hurts to throw out the question for other advice. From what I gather it seems the whole area has good deer it is just finding the biggest concentration of them. I know one thing I am pretty pumped about this fall. It was a roll of the dice with the winter they had but reports seemed pretty positive.
Slugz
Veteran member
Congrats guys on your tags. Just a comment and by no means bashing anyone's ability. A 100yd shot with open sights on an elk is tough....smaller size target like a deer even tougher. If you are not already, I'd look at the Williams peep sights for a peep rear and a single white line front sight.....those really get you about 20-30 yards more and tighten up overall accuracy.
Now if you guys are proficient/practice a bunch past 100 yards with the open sights then forget what I said and have a fun hunt.
I just bring it up because I spend a lot of hunts taking first timers cow elk hunting muzzle season here and the comments are always the same WRT being able to shoot effectively with open sights.....the guys I have taken have grossly overestimated their ability on almost 95% of the hunts. Just food for thought guys.
Now if you guys are proficient/practice a bunch past 100 yards with the open sights then forget what I said and have a fun hunt.
I just bring it up because I spend a lot of hunts taking first timers cow elk hunting muzzle season here and the comments are always the same WRT being able to shoot effectively with open sights.....the guys I have taken have grossly overestimated their ability on almost 95% of the hunts. Just food for thought guys.
Already converted my muzzleloader to a Williams peep sight and a globe front sight with a post apperature. Love it! Shooting No-excuses 460 gr. bullets and putting it on target out to 200 yards at this time. My buddy needs to get in gear on his rig. I used regular open sights back in 2012 when elk hunting and knew this go around I wanted the ability to reach out further.
We are in the same boat as far as scouting goes as we live in Michigan. The best we will be able to do is a day before season, only x amount of vacation to play with. I've been biking, hiking and cutting firewood getting ready. I will step up the workouts more the closer we get.
Slugz
Veteran member
Roger...sounds great...just thought I would throw that out there
Great tag!! Good luck!Appreciate the advice, it never hurts to listen.Roger...sounds great...just thought I would throw that out there
Slugzs, I have the exact same peep sight, but using a crosshairs front sight. First time shooting a new muzzy. Shoots exactly how previous owner said. 100 gr. of BH209 and .501 Thor bullet. Very consistent so far. I Work at top of AK 2 weeks on 2 off. Next time home will start practicing out further. Question: you said white on front post, but do you color your peep? Also what's the best paint? Is it illuminated or regular. I know it's preference but how many speed loaders and etc do you guys bring on a backpack hunt. Done muzzy hunts in ID before but those were day hunts.
Slugz
Veteran member
" We have done some customizing with fluorescent paint on posts/beads........we used some NW fishing/steelhead glo paint.....greenish tint to a white base....sometimes pink glo"
WRT how many loads I take....its always been too many. I usually take 4-5 and realize I only needed 3. I also use silicone to seal my powder/primer in it to keep out all moisture. Vaseline to use for fire-starting and put on your barrel after a day or two to keep the rust gone and lastly electrical tape on my barrel end and once I load I don't break the breach until its shot.
I'm a little OCD maybe on moisture control, but once I went that route we have not had any misfires on the extended backcountry muzzle loader hunts.
WRT how many loads I take....its always been too many. I usually take 4-5 and realize I only needed 3. I also use silicone to seal my powder/primer in it to keep out all moisture. Vaseline to use for fire-starting and put on your barrel after a day or two to keep the rust gone and lastly electrical tape on my barrel end and once I load I don't break the breach until its shot.
I'm a little OCD maybe on moisture control, but once I went that route we have not had any misfires on the extended backcountry muzzle loader hunts.
Great idea on the fluorescent paint, I've used it before on an old open sight military rifle. It really helps when daylight starts to fade. I will try to top my post sight with it. Are you using the electrical tape to cover the muzzle while hunting?
Slugz
Veteran member
Slugz
Veteran member
No I meant on my speadloaders to ensure they are sealed up . I close them and then just fill in the crack on the cap/edge with a swipe of some on my finger.