My name is Laura and I live in NW Wyoming. This year I decided to go hunting, I made this decision after tags were put in for and such so I bought a general and 2 reduced price doe/fawn tags. I purchased a nice little .243 from my neighbor and placed a Redfield Revenge 4x12 scope on her. You should know I am a 44 year old woman who knows she is getting older not younger. : )

In part I went hunting this year because a lot of my friends hunt and I thought it would be nice to share that with them. It worked out though that I hunted by myself all season but 2 days and I took my 3 deer by myself. This was both disappointing as well as incredible. I was able to field dress, load and process them by myself (except for hoisting into my tree), I'm pretty proud of my full freezer. What I have discovered though is that I love hunting! I should have known as I am an avid fisher woman. LOL Still, until I took my first shot (which was a miss LOL) I didn't even know if I would be able to pull the trigger...

So here is what I am asking, I want to go elk hunting next year, I hear it taste wonderful!

1) Can I elk hunt alone? If next year is like this one, I will probably have to.

2) Is my .243 enough rifle to get it done if I get to say 150/200 yards?

3) If I do need to buy another rifle, is a .270 enough? I am looking at an older Ruger 77 in .270 w/tang safety but I was also allowed to fire a guys .308 with synthetic stock and bull barrel w/muzzle break at the range and I swear it didn't kick more than my .243. I fired a 30-06 once and it knocked me on my butt and I was scoped b/c the person I was with didn't tell me to back off the scope and I'm considerably older now and just not up for it. I think I can pick up the .270 for $350 w/scope. I will replace the scope with something higher power but I can always trade or sell the other one.

4) Should I start physical training of some kind? I mean, I'm going to have to pack this possibly 600lb. animal out. If so, do any of you have ideas and practices that you use?

5) I also need info. on gear and pack packing and all kinds of things. : )

I know this has been a long post but it is so important for me that I don't wound animals and pay them the respect they deserve and so I ask for help. When I decided to hunt, I went to the range at least twice a week and it paid off, I was able to take three deer with three shots. I thank you in advance for any help or insights you might offer.

Laura