10 Best Arrow Rest For Hunting

Best Arrow Rest For Hunting in 2023

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Choosing an Elk Rifle

Choosing a rifle for elk hunting is an important decision, but need not be complicated. Here's how to choose the proper tool for successful elk hunting.

When choosing an elk rifle, the animal itself, as well as its habitat, must be taken into consideration. The majority of elk live in the rugged mountains of western America. However, with the recent growth in elk populations, many of these animals have moved back out onto the plains, where they orginally roamed until the latter part of the 1800's. The elk itself, while a member of the deer family, is much larger than a whitetail or mule deer. A fully mature rocky mountain bull elk may way 800 pounds or more. Not only are they big, but elk are also very tough. They are a very strong and hardy animal, which must be taken into consideration when choosing a rifle. However, elk are flesh and blood, and they really don't require elephant rifles in order for the hunter to bring home a trophy.

The Cartridge

In a nutshell, the proper elk rifle is one that the hunter can carry over long distances in rough terrain, and one which the hunter can handle proficiently. Large caliber rifles are often recommended for elk hunting, but these are only advantageous if the hunter can handle them. It still all boils down to hitting the vital zone to bring home an elk. It's been proven time and again, that just about any cartridge can kill if the bullet is placed in the right spot. Many successful elk hunters use the various 24 calibers, and the old 30-30 Winchester remains very popular. But the hunter must be very careful with shot placement, as well as presentation, meaning, you need to have the time and patience to wait for a clear, broadside shot. This is important with any cartridge, but is especially critical with smaller calibers.

Choosing a proper cartridge for elk hunting isn't difficult. Chances are you already own an adequate rifle. Any cartridge beginning with the 270, and moving up in caliber, is fully suitable. The 30 calibers through about 375 are probably better choices for all around elk cartridges. However, don't get too hung up on any specific cartridge. It would be very difficult to tell the difference in field performance between most of the popular rifle rounds out there today. On paper, yes, you can see a difference between, say, a 308 WCF and a 338 Win. Mag. But, chances are, that at normal hunting ranges, 250 yards and less, an elk probably won't be able to tell the difference. This is especially true with shots at fairly normal angles, such as broadside, or at slight angles. With today's bullets, either cartridge will fully penetrate the vitals of an elk.

Magnum cartridges are generally recommended for serious elk hunting, but all they really buy you is extra range. If you're hunting in very open alpine areas, or hunting in plains country, then maybe a magnum would be beneficial. If a hunter can shoot heavy kicking rifles accurately, then such cartridges as the various 300 magnums, the 325 Winchester Short Mag, and the 338 caliber magnums can offer an advantage in open country where the ranges might be longer. For mountain and timber hunting, where the majority of elk are taken, most popular non-magnum cartridges have more than enough power to down an elk. These cartridges include such rounds as the 30-06, 308, 338 Federal, 7mm-08 Remington, and the 280 Remington. Most anyone can learn to shoot effectively with these cartridges. If you are somewhat sensitive to recoil, the 7mm-08 or even the 7mm Mauser would be excellent choices. Another excellent, light recoiling cartridge, would be the 300 Savage, though it's not as common as it once was.

In some areas of the west, elk like to hole up in heavy timber during hunting season. While this makes for very tough hunting, some hunters like to stillhunt for elk. In these situations, shots are always very short, well within 100 yards. For this kind of hunting, cartridges that fire heavy, slow moving bullets can be very deadly. Such cartridges include the old 348 WCF, 356 WCF, 375 WCF, 444 Marlin, and the 45-70 Government. These cartridges deliver a lot of power at close range, using big bullets that will anchor an elk quickly. One advantage to using fatter bullets, is that, sometimes when hunting in the timber, the shot angle may not be the best, and the elk can be out of sight very quickly. These big bullets tend to leave good blood trails, making it easier to find a downed elk. The only drawback to these rounds is limited range. You could also include the 358 WCF and the 35 Whelen in this list. These latter 2 rounds are a little faster and flatter shooting, making them better for shots across meadows or clearings.

The Rifle

Choosing a specific rifle for elk hunting is purely a personal choice. Bolt actions are the most popular, and it's very difficult to choose a bad one. The Ruger 77, Remington 700, Winchester model 70, and the Savage 110 series, just to name a few, are all good choices. However, lever actions, such as the Browning BLR, Savage 99, and even the Winchester 94, can all be had in appropriate elk calibers. Any of these rifles, chambered in cartridges running from the 270 WCF to the 338 Winchester Magnum would make excellent elk rifles, as well as good all around arms for a variety of big game hunting. Single shots such as Ruger's No.1, pump actions, and semi-autos are also good candidates for elk rifles. Just choose what you like best.

Some things to keep in mind are weight and bulk. Hunting the timber and mountains with a long, heavy rifle can become very tiresome. Try packing a 10 pound rifle up and down steep ridges for several days and you will come to appreciate a 6.5 to 8 pound rifle. Two or three extra pounds may not sound like much, but after a few hours of rough hiking it will seem like a lot. Timber hunters need to have a rifle that is nimble and quick, and can be carried in the ready position for long periods of time. Lever actions excel here, but some bolt guns can also be found. If you're hunting more open country, especially the plains, then a longer heavier rifle can be beneficial, especially if chambered to a magnum cartidge. Heavier rifles are easier to hold steady, and help to dampen the recoil of large cartridges. This can be important if you may be shooting at longer ranges.

Choosing an elk rifle is not a complicated process. Choose a rifle and cartridge that you are comfortable with and that you enjoy shooting. Learn your limitations as well as the rifle's, and stay within them. You owe it to yourself, as well as the elk, to only take shots that you know you and your rifle are capable of. Practice often with your rifle, become proficient with it, and it will never fail when the time comes to bring home a grand trophy.