I have only hunted elk in NM one time. So I am no expert. However we have hunted elk in a few other states with a MZ.

NM is wide open country. I shot my bull at 145 yards, and I used open sights, with no problem. But I guess it just depends on how much time you can spend at the practice range. I have no problem with open sights at 200 yards or farther, but I do shoot alot. If you feel the need for a scope in order to be more consistent. Then by all means get a good quality scope. Nothing wrong with that.

Personally I like a larger conical for elk. But that is just a preference. A 300 grain Nosler bullet would work just fine. Just run it as hot as you can, and still be effective with accuracy, and recoil(if recoil is an issue).

I do not think the gun you choose. Or the bullet you choose. Or the caliber you choose is important. What I think is important is that you are completely proficient with whatever you decide to use.

I went on a guided private land hunt in NM. There were three camps with 7 hunters in each camp. Each camp was over 40,000 acres. We all met as base camp, and the guides had everyone(21 hunters) shoot their rifles. One guy actually showed up with a rifle and scope that he bought the day before. The scope was mounted by the counter person. I could not believe how unprepared the hunters were. The funny thing was this guy said his rifle was fine, the counter person had bore sighted it for him.

Almost 1/2 the guys could not even hit the target at 100 yards with their first shot. I was laughing so hard I thought one of the guides was going to punch me in the nose. The guides were really frustrated.

I was the only hunter with open sights. All other hunters had scopes. The guides spent three or four hours with these idiots. And three of the guides went to another shooting table with several hunters who were just shooting all over the place.

When I set my rifle on the shooting bench I got a look of disgust from the guide. He could not believe I did not have a scope. So I just giggled under my breath and loaded my rifle. Then I took my shot and got up from the table and started cleaning my rifle(without looking at my shot). The guide told me to wait before I cleaned my rifle. He wanted to check the shot. I told him no need to check the shot, it felt good. He smirked. Then he went out and brought the target back. The bullet was exactly 2 inches high, and cut the line. I then smirked at him and said I was off a bit. It should have been three inches high.

He looked at me and laughed. He said man I have got the place for you. I saw 10 legal bulls in one day. He put me in a real honey hole because he knew I could shot. And that is what all this rambling was about. Just be able to shoot(with accuracy) what ever you decide to hunt with.

It was the best hunt of my entire life. And I have a nice 5X5 bull to look at for the rest of my life.

My rifle and load was a Knight MK85 with musket cap ignition. I shot 120 grains of 3F BP and a 525 grain pure lead conical that I cast from lead I got from a church. So how could I miss?? I had "holy lead" Tom.