We are all partial to our calibers, but may i suggest a .280 rem? I live in Tennessee, but have carried my Ruger M77 chambered in .280 to Sask. for whitetails and to Prince of Wales Island Ak. for black bears. Every whitetail dropped in their tracks, including the big Canadian. The 6 and a half foot black bear took about 4 steps. Using 150 gr Nosler Partition. Little recoil. Second choice would definately be the 7mm-08