Overview
The Sacramento Mountains muzzleloader elk season takes place in early to mid October. Coinciding with the end of the rut, muzzleloader hunters get a chance to experience some of the bugling action from the archery season. The step up from bows to muzzleloaders makes this hunt a great experience. Although rutting activity is waning during this period, you will still get into bulls everyday. It's about getting the right bull.
Tactics
Due to the timing of the muzzleloader hunt at the end of the rut, calling remains an important tactic as it was in archery season. The increased down-range capability of the muzzleloader also means we don't have to call them under 50 yards anymore either. Using "spot-and-stalk" or "hear-and-stalk" tactics can become very productive on this hunt. Slipping to within muzzleloader range of a bull is much easier than slipping to within bow range.
However, by muzzleloader season, it seems that many bulls are able to stay across canyons and manage to keep out of muzzleloader range. Many a smokepole hunter has wished for their .300 magnum at such times. Those moments are there to remind you it isn't rifle season. Some of the newer muzzleloaders are extending shooting distances considerably. They are perfectly legal and can put some shots into your repertoire that otherwise are impossible from a tactical point of view. For more info on these "super" muzzleloaders "Click Here".
Difficulty
of the Hunt
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the easiest place to hunt elk and 10 being the most god-awful place on earth to hunt elk, we give this hunt a difficulty rating of 8.
The extreme difficulty rating stems exclusively from the terrain. There are lots of elk, but getting around the country is what rips most hunters up. The archery hunt is harder from a perspective that it usually takes more days to get the job done. Most muzzleloader hunters don't get pushed to 4 or 5 days before they get their bull. Therefore, the difficulty rating for this hunt is slightly less than the rating of the Sacramento archery hunt.
Don't think for a minute you can get away from being in top shape to do this hunt. Far from it. If you're in shape, you will be successful on this hunt. If you're not in shape, you will need to get lucky.
Muzzleloader
Statistics
Out of 4 muzzleloader hunters in 2002:
* 4 (100%) had shot opps at 5-point or better bulls
* 3 (75%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 2 (50%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 7 muzzleloader hunters in 2003:
* 7 (100%) had shot opps at 6-point or better bulls
* 6 (86%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 4 muzzleloader hunters in 2004:
* 4 (100%) had shot opps at 6-point or better bulls
* 2 (50%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 15 muzzleloader hunters in 2005:
* 14 (93%) had shot opps at 5-point or better bulls
* 12 (80%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 8 (53%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 10 muzzleloader hunters in 2006:
* 10 (100%) had shot opps at 5-point or better bulls
* 9 (90%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 7 (70%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 11 muzzleloader hunters in 2007:
* 11 (100%) had shot opps at 5-point or better bulls
* 10 (91%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 9 (82%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 10 muzzleloader hunters in 2008:
* 10 (100%) had shot opps at 5-point or better bulls
* 8 (80%) had shot opps at 6-point or better bulls
* 8 (80%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 6 (60%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 12 muzzleloader hunters in 2009:
* 12 (100%) had shot opps at 6-point or better bulls
* 11 (92%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 11 muzzleloader hunters in 2010:
* 11 (100%) had shot opps at 5-point or better bulls
* 9 (82%) had shot opps at 6-point or better bulls
* 7 (64%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 5 (45%) harvested a 6-point or better bull
For an in-depth look at the results of the 2009 hunts, go to the "2009 What's New!" page.
For an in-depth look at the results of the 2010 hunts, go to the "2010 What's New!" page.
Sacramento Muzzleloader References
Brent McDonald, WI 608-725-5335 "This was my third time hunting with Elite. Each time I was treated like family. You will NOT find a better group of guides and staff. Everything was wonderful right down to Denise doing our laundry so we wouldn't take any dirty clothes home. That's hospitality! Lot's of huge bulls. Get in shape so you can really enjoy the full effect of the hunt. We'll be back."
Darren Brown, TX 409-727-3459 "Great hunting experience! My guide, Hoyt Graham, was a pleasure to hunt with and knew where to find elk. I will be hunting with Elite next year if I get drawn."
Nick Fox, MO 314-210-4165 "Be in better shape than I was."
Eric Wilson, MO 660-668-3320 "Be in shape, come prepared and have fun!"
Bill Schier, WI 608-794-2512 "We were surrounded by elk both mornings before light. Our guide, Dan Cornelius, was awesome! He knew the areas and which elk should be in each area. When everyone gathered at night to plan the next morning's attack, you could tell ALL the guides had spent plenty of time scouting and had figured out which bulls were in those areas. It was better than I ever dreamed! Be in shape!
Larry
Day, TX 432-758-2613 Get in shape and be ready for the hunt of a
lifetime. Johnny and his guides run the most professional guiding outfit I
have ever hunted with. This was my third hunt with these guys and I can't
till the next hunt."
Mark Harnetiaux, IL 618-664-3924 "Good quality hunt with expert guides. Hunted with Elite three elk seasons with 100% success."
Daryl Bullock, GA 706-721-3289 "Get in shape!!! We couldn't have picked a worse week of weather to hunt (rain, wind and snow), but we had an awesome adventure! Saw some excellent animals. My guide did a great job and never gave up. I have nothing but good things to say about Elite, my guide and my hunt. Looking forward to getting back and getting on a big one."
James Burg, GA 706-306-9890 "I would tell any prospective hunter that this outfitter was genuine and that the guides really care about the success of the hunt as well as the hunter. The guides go out of their way to make sure it's the hunt of a lifetime. They use all of their resources, (friends, family and other guides) to find game and they try their best to accommodate the hunter. I didn't tag out but I still had a great time and met some really classy people. This outfitter is not out for the money, but out for the hunter."
Randy
Valentine, VA 434-993-3138 "Your chances of getting a trophy elk
greatly increase by hunting with Elite Outfitters. This was my second time
hunting with Elite. All the guides were very friendly, professional and like
what they are doing. Great lodge in an excellent location. Very good quality
and quantity of game seen. The owner has a great knowledge of the hunting
areas.
Brad Sutherland, UT 801-782-3860 "Great area and plenty of bulls!"
Jared Otto, MN 320-274-1414 "Be prepared to hike! I thought I was in fairly good shape until day 3. The canyons may not look that difficult until you start hiking out of one. But don't be afraid to go into them because that is where the elk are."
Robert Johnston, NE 402-798-7440 "Excellent guides. Be in good shape. You must walk on rocky and uneven ground which was hard for me. I enjoyed my hunting companions."
Bob Tillman, OK 405-401-4329 "Elite Outfitters is the real deal. Professional hunters who know how to hunt elk. Don't waste your money on other outfitters, Elite delivers. My guide, Kenny, worked hard for me and I took a nice bull on the last day after shooting at a 330-class bull 2 days earlier. They're not kidding....get in shape and you'll enjoy your hunt more. I did. I'm no saint, but it was a real pleasure to be around people that did not cuss every other word. I've hunted with four other outfits and Elite beat them easily. I hope to draw again next year and come back to hunt with Kenny and take the 'big one" this time."
Bill
Murphy, MA, 908-334-4147 "I had an incredible hunt with Elite
Outfitters. They made everything come true through the application process,
pre-scouting, and delivery on the hunt. It was everything I had dreamed
about. I returned home with a great sense of satisfaction and completion of
my goal."
Larry Day, TX, 432-758-2613 "Don't put your trust in the old adage, "Better lucky than good". The truth of the matter is the harder you work at something, the greater the reward. Elite Outfitter's guides are professional hunters with the gift of turning a hard elk hunt into an enjoyable event."
Jack Welch, MO 573-485-8163 "This was the best hunt I have ever experienced. The hunter is first and foremost in Elite's operations."
Corey Sledge, MS 662-436-0246 "This is a very tough, but enjoyable hunt. If one works hard and is patient, they will be rewarded with a good elk. All of the staff works extremely hard and are committed to giving the hunter a memorable hunt. My week in camp was one of the highlights of my hunting career. This was my first hunt where everything was just as advertised."
Joe Grote, MO 573-324-5535 "Elite Outfitters is a very good choice. They have a lot of country to hunt and I highly recommend them."
Rusty
Maher, MO 573-485-3775 "Elite is a first-class
operation. Good people, good food, good accommodations. I had a very good
hunt."
Ted Welch, MO 573-406-7152 "I have been out west on three other elk hunts and this one, by far, is the best hunt I have ever been on. The quality of bulls we were hunting was unbelievable! The guide knew every move to make and what calls to use. Elite treated my dad and myself just like family."
Doug Evans, MS 662-369-2945 "Be in great physical condition. Prepare for your shooting before arrival. This hunt is well worth your while. I enjoyed the hunt very much."
Bill Cornelius, PA 724-586-2479 "An excellent hunt! Thank you! I had a great time."
Mike Newman, PA 724-452-0381 "Be prepared for the hunt and get in shape! Follow Johnny's advice."
Don
Eisele, 610-793-3453 - "There can only be one
best outfitter, and this is it. Elite Outfitters lives up to it's name."
Steve Bell, IL 618-466-7882 - "Get in shape and your hunt will be excellent."
David Stafford, NC 336-339-0684 - "The best hunt I've ever been on. When they say it's physically demanding, you better believe them. I enjoyed it so much I'm putting in for next year and bring some of my friends with me."
Byron Baker, WA 360-458-5976 - "Having hunted elk in Oregon, Montana, Idaho and Washington for 30+ years, this is the most elk I have seen and heard outside of Yellowstone. The guides know the area, the elk and their job. It was a great hunt!"
Gary Wheeler, WA 253-840-8027 - "Follow Elite's advice and recommendations as they proved to be invaluable for the hunt. Elite Outfitters made this hunt one of the most outstanding of my life."
Ronnie Smith, AR 870-647-2208 - "No elk hunt I have ever been on compares with the hunt I experienced with Elite Outfitters. I killed a magnificent 6x6 and when I go elk hunting again it will be with Elite. You've got to experience it to believe it."
Nick Fox, MO 314-210-4165 - "Two weeks after hunting with Elite, I went to Colorado on a private land hunt and then fully realized the difference between New Mexico and Colorado. The bulls they showed me in Colorado were a joke compared to the animals Elite showed me. Elite's hunt was the best elk hunting I've ever seen."
Jared
Von Bank, IA 712-251-7095 - "A physically tough
hunt but the elk are there. If you're in shape, you will have a great chance
at a good bull."
Jack Germeroth, MO 417-753-4288 - I've been on several elk hunts and I feel I saw more good bulls with Elite than I saw on the other hunts combined. I was impressed with Elite's professionalism and efficiency. I can't say enough about my guide. Make sure you're in shape and you will get the hunt of your dreams."
Louis Wright, IA 641-752-5185 - "Excellent hunt, lots of game. This was my second hunt with Elite and won't be my last. Everything from the accommodations to the guides can be summed up in one word....exceptional."
Tim Von Bank,
MN - 763-497-3733 - The scenery alone is worth the trip. I had a great time
and saw lots of bulls. I had some bad luck along the way but had an awesome
hunt. I will be back."
Larry Gershner, AR 479-925-2817 - "Get in the
best shape you can! My hunt was that of a lifetime. Any outfitter that can
get all his hunters a shot is very good. I’d come back in a New York
minute."
Jim King,
NC 919-690-0412 - “Get in shape. This is not a hunt suited for couch
potatoes. The hunt was everything I expected and more. I did shoot at one
6x6 that I should have killed and saw several others, many at close range.”
Harlan King,
NV 775-852-1777 - "If you can show up in shape the chance at a trophy bull
is there. Great hunt!"
2011 Sacramento Muzzleloader Hunt Prices
5-Day Guided Sacramento Muzzleloader Elk Hunt
$4,500 (2 on 1) If successful in the Draw
$5,500 (1 on 1) If successful in the Draw
$8,900 (1 on 1) If combined with a landowner permit for a guaranteed license
2011 Sacramento Muzzleloader Season
5-Day Sacramento Muzzleloader Elk Hunts
Oct 8-12, 2011
2011 Sacramento Muzzleloader License Fees
Draw License - Muzzleloader - $787
Landowner Permit License - Muzzleloader - $571
Information Links
For licensing and Draw System information "Click Here"
For policies information "Click Here"
For muzzleloader equipment information "Click Here"
For contract and booking information "Click Here"
Click on the Links below to continue looking at other Hunts
| Sac Mtns - Archery Elk Hunting |
| Sac Mtns - Rifle Elk Hunting |
| Sac Mtns - Youth Rifle Elk Hunting |
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