I just killed my forst elk last Monday evening. My God it was a rush He was a respectable 5x5 weighing around 450-500 lbs. I took him with my guides pre-64 model 70 in 280 remington with an old burris scope. (my Mauser in .300 win mag had scope mount problems). The 150 grain bullet went trough both lungs and he went down after 30 steps. My heart was pounding. The cows and younger bulls he led scattered and after he fell I could hear the lead cow calling for him. I have to admit to a pang of regret and pity, hearing her plaintive cries and knowing I was the architect of her distress.These feelings lasted until I saw the bull who was lying where he fell. My guide came running and we cleaned the elk. I had the second biggest bull at elk camp. 7 out of 9 of us scored an elk. It was one of the defining moments of my life.
I may not be able to afford a guided hunt for a while but I definitely want to go again. Maybe archery or early gun.
Hunting rabbits will just be the same anymore.
okcmco
PS I WILL POST SOME PICS SOON!