Planning first Muzzleloader Elk Hunt

[jerkin'm]

Looking for any advice and opinions on my first elk hunt for next year...My 70 year old father would like to shoot an elk while he still can and we are in the planning stages for next year. I spent some winters in Vail/Avon and still have a few connections so I think that's the area we will focus unless someone has a better idea? I know the semi-obvious things like to be in good shape and plan for the weather changes. I don't seem to see much info on ML hunting in the area..