ORIGINAL: game4lunch
You can't hunt big game anywhere with .223.
ORIGINAL: Crittergitter
First off, a .223 is not a legal calibre for elk ANYWHERE!
Not true.
.223 is legal for any game in Texas. Probably other states as well. The only restriction here is :
White-tailed deer, mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope may NOT be hunted with rimfire ammunition of any caliber.
Elk, in Texas, are classified as an "exotic" species, which is non-native game that has been introduced from elsewhere. Others in this category include blackbuck, nilgai, red stag, gemsbok, oryx, etc., etc. There are NO regulations as to the firearms that can be used on exotic species, so LEGALLY, you could even use a .22 short. Obviously, this is not a MORAL or ETHICAL choice, and the ranches where these game might be hunted will have some say as to what cartridges can be used on their ranches.
Also, under California law, I think they have the same rule for big game. The only restriction is it must be a centerfire cartridge with an expanding bullet. Here's a quote from their fish & game site:
ยง353. Methods Authorized for Taking Big Game.
(a) Except for the provisions of subsections 353(b) through (g), title 14, CCR, big game (as defined by section 350, title 14, CCR) may only be taken by rifles using centerfire cartridges with softnose or expanding bullets; bow and arrow (see section 354, title 14, CCR, for archery equipment regulations); or wheellock, matchlock, flintlock or percussion type, including "in-line" muzzleloading rifles using black powder or equivalent black powder substitute, including pellets, with single ball or bullet loaded from the muzzle and at least .40 caliber in designation.