I will be Elk hunting in Colorado (GMU 55 just outside Gunnison) for the first time this November. My mind is racing with things that I just don’t experience in the Upper Midwest.

One of the items that I have a question about is a camp gun, preferably a revolver that you keep on your side while in camp.

Is an additional camp gun necessary or do the more seasoned hunters out there just rely upon your primary hunting rifle.

If you do have an extra camp gun, what is the minimum caliber you would recommend?

I do have a Ruger Super Redhawk in .44 mag but it’s topped with a Leupold 2X scope and is kind of bulky for all the time side carry.

I also have a S&W 686 in .357 along with some Federal Premium Vital Shok 180 grain CastCore bullets. Would this combo be enough for the special mountain variety critters one might encounter in this part of Colorado?

Regards,
Steve