if you go by what the gurus on the cabelas website a 30-06 is way to small and insigificate for elk hunting.i claim they are a bunch of lazy yuppies that want their game DRT.get a real grip boys,ya dont need the newest biggest baddist magnnum out there.i guess if yer a real crappy shot maybe a bigger caliber is needed.here in oregon we usually use an 06 or 300wm.now if yer not sure then spend 3000.00 on a new rifle for a hunt,i laugh all the way to butcher shop,oh yes dont forget the best scope on the market and go to cabelas for their latest new fangled doo das.you folks need to learn whats advertised and such is bull****.my 06 is very capable to 600 yrds and very lethal,if ya cant shoot then get a big 375 or 338ultra