Sorry for your loss.
With the 3rd season having 2 extra days this year I think you’ll be fine, even if you needed a little extra time at home. Not to mention the last three days it looks like it will really start to cool down.
I don’t know what outfitter you’re with, but that seems pretty typical for the early hunts. I have a buddy who hunted 12AE early last year and they did the same. He ended up shooting a pretty nice buck, but it wasn’t till the very end of the hunt. All you can do is keep at it.
Well as of the draw deadline CR would not commit to allowing the Elk hunt to happen this year. If they don’t allow hunting this year you will have to pay big $$$ for a hunt on private.
I had the 121 Muzzleloader Elk hunt last year. It’s a great unit with lots of Big Bulls, I went guided and it was in September so not sure how much I can help but if you have any questions shoot me a message.