I have killed a few with the bow and judging by their reaction and the way they bled out it was quite humane. They also didn't go much farther then if they were shot with a rifle. A bow has an effective range of 0-60 yards on an Elk provided proper arrows,broadheads and bowvelocity is provided. Lots of tissue is destroyed by a cut on impact broadhead and the blood trails are simply awesome if the right equipment is used. 25-06 is a fringe cartridge on a animal that can weigh 800+ lbs and in some areas approach 900. Bullet selection would be specialized and the range would have to be kept short whereas with a 300 mag and up you can expect great bullet performance irregardless of how the animal is posing for the shot at extended ranges. They have large vitals but in most angles a lot of bone and muscle standing in the way not to mention a thick hide, they are not going to pose broadside for most shots. If they are spooked they have incredible adrenaline and will run long distances severely wounded. To even hear someone mention 600 yard shots with a 25-06 on elk is bordering on assinine and hopefully we don't run into each other in the field. Bottom line there are Deer Rifles and there are Elk Rifles.