Elk Rifle

[dlmac]

I don't think my post had anything to do with "good" or "bad" elk?

The point of my post was to say that without spending large sums of money to hunt elk every year, most will only get a couple chances in their lifetime to have a coveted elk tag with the potential to shot a trophy elk, and when you are lucky enough to get that tag you should be ready for how ever that hunt plays out. Could be a short chip shot or a longer cross canyon shot that presents itself. To the original question I am simply saying have enough gun for either.

Ultimately, every hunter has to decide for themselves what they consider a "good" elk, I would say that is based on where you are hunting, the quality of the elk herd, and the amount of hunting pressure on the elk but that's an entirely different debate.

sorry, just a comment, not trying to start a debate on ethics or anything else. Happy hunting.

 

[Shootist43]

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Thinking about putting together an elk rifle. Looking for suggestions on rifle, scope and caliber - anything smaller than [emoji[emoji6]]mm need not apply

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

@Shootist43
Art you already chave the perfect elk rifle or borrow the sons.
The 35 Whelen loaded with 225gn accubonds will lay any elk flat out to any sane range
Bob

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

@Shootist43 I would go with either a 338 WM, or one of the PRCs, either 7mm PRC or 300 PRC.

I've been watching these Howa auctions with the HS Precision stocks. Slap a 2-10 or 4-14 Leupold scope on it and go hunt.

 

[Shootist43]

Sorry fellas. I haven't got a clue as to how the recent post (12:38 PM) was attributed to me. I didn't write it.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Sorry fellas. I haven't got a clue as to how the recent post (12:38 PM) was attributed to me. I didn't write it.

@Shootist43
I thought it was a bit strange from you as I know you have a Whelen that would be just fine.
Dang for ranges upto 150 yards I think your Sweedes with a nice Woodleigh 169gn RNSP or PPSP would work just fine and dandy.
Bob

 

[ldmay375]

Sorry fellas. I haven't got a clue as to how the recent post (12:38 PM) was attributed to me. I didn't write it.

You may want to change your password. I had that happen.

 

[Shootist43]

Being an Easterner, I've long cherished the thought of going on an Elk hunt. Back in 2000 I considered / selected The Cheff Ranch in Montana as the outfitter. They hunted the Bob Marshall Wilderness via horseback. I read every article on the "best rifle for an Elk hunt" in all of the rags at the time. Every year though, the rifles kept getting more and more powerful. Up to and including the 7mm STW. Then I read an article that stated that more Elk were taken by "locals" using a 30-06 than any other caliber. Here it is over 25 years later, "AND THE BEAT GOES ON." In 2014 I learned that hunting PG in Africa and a guided Elk hunt were comparable price wise, and the success rate in Africa was considerably higher. Almost to the point of a guarantee. I've been to Africa three times now but still "dream" of an Elk hunt. Go figure!!

 

[fisherofmen]

Being an Easterner, I've long cherished the thought of going on an Elk hunt. Back in 2000 I considered / selected The Cheff Ranch in Montana as the outfitter. They hunted the Bob Marshall Wilderness via horseback. I read every article on the "best rifle for an Elk hunt" in all of the rags at the time. Every year though, the rifles kept getting more and more powerful. Up to and including the 7mm STW. Then I read an article that stated that more Elk were taken by "locals" using a 30-06 than any other caliber. Here it is over 25 years later, "AND THE BEAT GOES ON." In 2014 I learned that hunting PG in Africa and a guided Elk hunt were comparable price wise, and the success rate in Africa was considerably higher. Almost to the point of a guarantee. I've been to Africa three times now but still "dream" of an Elk hunt. Go figure!!

First, go! You may never have the time or money, but you will never regret going.
As far as rifles, I witnessed my son take his first elk at 315 yards with his 25-06 loaded with 120 NP's. Bullet exited and we watched the elk fall. Of course bullet placement is everything, I've helped trail a friend's gut shot whitetail till we lost blood. He shot a 300 weatherby. It's amazing how rifles that kick me less tend to shoot more accurately!
My outfitter, Charlie from Wapiti, told me he has never had a client lose an elk who shot a 270.
Food for thought.

 

[JimP]

Being an Easterner, I've long cherished the thought of going on an Elk hunt. Back in 2000 I considered / selected The Cheff Ranch in Montana as the outfitter. They hunted the Bob Marshall Wilderness via horseback. I read every article on the "best rifle for an Elk hunt" in all of the rags at the time. Every year though, the rifles kept getting more and more powerful. Up to and including the 7mm STW. Then I read an article that stated that more Elk were taken by "locals" using a 30-06 than any other caliber. Here it is over 25 years later, "AND THE BEAT GOES ON." In 2014 I learned that hunting PG in Africa and a guided Elk hunt were comparable price wise, and the success rate in Africa was considerably higher. Almost to the point of a guarantee. I've been to Africa three times now but still "dream" of an Elk hunt. Go figure!!

You have to remember that in Africa it isn't too hard to get the animal that you are after unless you are looking for a exceptional animal. Also while you might be able to hunt a elk on certain farms it isn't hunting them in their natural habitat.

When I went after a grizzly in British Colombia people laughed at me for spending the money that I spent on that hunt and came home with only a black bear. But if you want to hunt a grizzly you need to go where the grizzly's live, and they don't live in South Africa or any other part of Africa.

And while you can hunt a number of animals in Africa for the same price that you can hunt a elk for here in the US, you are not hunting elk. And if is elk is on your bucket list you are going to have to bite the bullet and go where the elk live and pay the price. Be it a guided hunt or a DIY one.

In the long run the African hunts are turning into "shoots" and not hunts, where a elk hunt in the Rockies is a hunt with no guarantee.