there were several threads about proper caliber for elk a while back

thought I share my recent experience

went on a 5 day elk hunt in northern New Mexico
saw a total of 30 elks: bulls, spikes, cows , calves

was in 7000 - 9000 ft (hiking up and down)

hiked 3-5 miles each session (morning, afternoon)

it was hard to breath as we hiked higher; definitely grueling for anyone out of shape

very steep rocky terrain with aspen, pines, sage meadows, creeks

I carried a backpack and a 10 lb Tikka Tactical heavy barrel .308 … no problem

on the 3rd day I carried another Tikka TAC-A1; both rifles combined
weighed about 25 lbs; Velcro together and slung over shoulder
Just to see if I can handle the weight and high altitude/thin air.... no problem

elks were there but weather was hotter than normal, no snow so it was tough figuring out their patterns

on the last day, spotted a herd in the meadow about to head back to the mountain

hiked 1/2 mile to cut them off then waited in the pine trees

350 yds.. waited for the whole herd to come out in the open

I picked out the larger of the 2 cows in front (alpha)
and send a 168 gr Ballistic Tip to her neck.
She dropped instantly. The guide with me said that 's one of the
best drop/shot he's seen.

she's 450 lbs and lots of meat harvested


This type of hunting you dont' have the luxury to set up for prone
so shooting off shooting sticks is a must. ( your reticle will be wandering )


and I have to say, it is tough to get your heart rate down after
a long trek and dealing with altitude.


I've hunted with .308 for a long long time and I am pretty confident in
its ability (provided good bullets were used ). For those wondering
what to use for elk, I can say a .308 will do, as will 6.5/.270/7mm/30Anything

take out both lungs or shock the spine


There were a lot of misses. And I can see why. Most hunters practice shooting
off a bench. Elk hunting requires shooting off shooting sticks.... tougher than
you think.

If you're planning an elk hunt, practice shooting off sticks, most shots will be
150-350 yds. 400 yds-500 yds off of sticks will be a challenge if you don't
practice.


good luck

Growing up I thought you needed a cannon to kill elk. First time I saw one I said you know they don’t look that big. Then watched a hunting show years ago they shot 3 bull elk 2 in the 300+ yard range. All three one shot kills 2 dropped on the spot. All 3 with a 270 Winchester.

If I was to go tomorow I’d probably carry my 7mm08 or 270

100%. I worked with some youth shooters shooting from the bench and prone first with their rifles. Then I pulled out my 300 blk out shooting off trees, roof, and sticks. At first, they couldn't hit steel at 200, then they settled down got them shooting steel out to 300 with ease. One shooter took an elk off sticks at 300 yards. He admitted he would not have been able to make that shot before working on the drills we did.

Good story and info sir

I know plenty of people that can't make whitetails drop year in and year out shooting 100 yards from a blind window. They'd have zero chance in your situation

one of the hunters took 8 shots
he got lucky when one of his 6.5 bullet broke a leg

it sounded like a war zone

almost like spray and pray

another hunter missed on 2-3 opportunities