Idaho mule deer rifle vs primitive muzzleloader

[MAP1]

I'm new to this forum as I've been on monster muleys forum for years. I'm from Michigan but have an uncle in Idaho who I'm looking to hunt with this year. He's not a huge hunter any more as he's getting up there in age and were looking at hunting mule deer in the Salmon area with rifle or muzzy. Not looking for a monster but a nice 24" and up deer to mount. My question is- what are our best chances for such a deer. General rifle season in October before the rut or controlled muzzy late rut hunt in late November/early December? Muzzy hunt would be a draw with no scope and shots out to 120 yards or so. He does have horses but we wouldn't be camping out. I've hunted the muzzy hunt before and really enjoyed it but the lack of range really makes it tough. I only hunted 6 days but felt if I had more time would have connected. Don't know what the rifle hunt would be like so early before rut. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[IdahoHombre]

I'll stab at this, but I've never deer hunted in the Salmon area. If I had to choose, I would opt for the muzzleloader hunt. Rifle season is a crap shoot with a ton of other hunters up there, questionable herd health, etc. I just think that the late muzzleloader hunt time period will provide a *greater chance* of finding the deer you want. - especially if you're proficient with the muzzle loader.

 

[Much2hunt]

Don't think twice..go ML.

M2h