The rifle itself has a lot to do with it. I have a Parker-Hale 7mm mag that kicks less than my brother's synthetic stock 270. If you get her a good rifle in the 270 or 7mm-08 she should be able to handle it.

Something else to think about, you know she won't feelmuch of the recoilwhen she's shooting at an animal anyway, so maybe you could get her a "lead sled" as I call them, something that takes the recoil when she's practicing and sighting in and she will be able to handle an 06 or 7mm, or more "traditional" elk calibers.

JMO!!

I must admit though, I am jealous! I wish I could get my wife to pick up a rifle, let alone try to shoot an elk!! You're a lucky man!!