Agree, huntingat 9,000 isn’t a problem. But climbing to that height and then trying to shoot eliminates a lot of people. Especially old goats like me. And, those that don’t do a lot of practicing and/or don’t know how to allow for all of the variables.

Breath control where you’re trying to get enough oxygen to breathe can be a real character builder to a flat lander.

Haha, you speak the truth Dave.

Fact.

I carried a almost 11lb rig for a few years in the desert and up in the mountains.....it sucked. Lbs add up quickly.


Light rifle, light pack, light boots.....will add miles to your trip for sure.

I think most of us all agree that a 30-06 is perfectly fine for elk hunting. So I was wondering what the next step would be in dealing with the outfitter on using the 06? I have seen outfitter's websites saying .30cal and up for the gun to bring on some western and Alaska hunts. I shoot my .270 very well and feel with today's bullets a 150g bonded bullet or a partition would be perfectly fine for elk and plan on using it some day on an elk hunt.

So my question moving forward is how would one go about talking with an outfitter/guide who recommends .30cal and up than using a smaller caliber that you are very proficient at using.

Really depends on the area, if I am paying for an outfitter, guide or DIY hunt for elk I want something that will hammer an elk. Many times you just can't get close and must shoot across a canyon or don't get a nice broadside shot and have to make a quartering away shot..... I want a fast 200 grain partition. I prefer to carry a 300 Win mag most of time but also take another gun either for backup or if the shots tend to be really long I carry it....a 30-378 Weatherby mag in a Sako TRG-S. With the sporter barrel it is not much heavier than the 300 WM and with a good brake recoil isn't an issue for me, I actually prefer to shoot it over the 300WM except for the huge price of ammo. A 200 gr Partition at 3200 fps is flat, not affected by wind as much as others and retains a lot of energy at 400 yards. As a comparison the 270 150gr Partition drops 40" at 400 yards and has 1300 ft/lbs of energy. The 30-378 200gr Partition drops 21" and has over 2500 ft/lbs of energy at 400 yards.

You know acclimation, a constant cardio routine, and shooting often can solve a lot of these problems mentioned here.

Aggie, New Mexico and not sure about other States mandates a 180 gr bullet. Or, they did the last time I elk hunted there. My Grandson has a muzzle loader cow elk hunt lined up this year. It will be his first and he is excited.

They don’t, now.

I have never gotten an elk. But I will tell you, if I had the time and the money for a guided elk hunt, I would pick a rifle I was comfortable shooting and practice with it as far out as I possibly could.

I think, more important than gear, is marksmanship and PHYSICAL FITNESS. You're not gonna have a good time if you are dying out there humping up and down those hills. Nevermind the lightest rifle or etc. I don't know about you, but I don't want to shoot a magnum rifle that comes in much less than 8 pounds with a scope. Get in shape, hit it hard for at least 6-8 weeks before you go if you are not already fit and living that lifestyle.