[Wahnie]

I've heard about and seen too many elk wounded when people think their .30-30 is adequate. They are big critters, and in my experiences, tough to put down, unlike whitetail. I've put three shots right through the boiler room of elk using a .300 Win Mag with 165gr Hornady's just to have them get right back up and take off running. That does not mean a .30-30 won't kill an elk. It will, especially at close range, but its far from what I would consider adequate.

I would say a safe minimum would be a .270 with 130gr premium. .30-06 with 165's is even better. .300 Win Mag with 165's is just about perfect. I don't believe you need a thumper like a .338 Win Mag or .375 H&H like some people will tell you, though.

If you plan on hunting elk in the brush, where shots won't exceed 150 yards or so, you might think about a .45/70 or similar.

But before you go off hunting elk, make sure you know what you're going to be in for. If you do not know the area, you might want to hire a guide of some form or another, whether it be a friend or a professional.

Also, be prepared for anything. Don't hesitate to bring stuff you don't think you'll need, like extra clothes, because it can get really cold up in the mountain of the west during the fall and winter.

And most of all, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!

Just my $0.02