Elk rifles
I read constantly about how the newer cartridges are the hot lick for elk hunting but I just do not see them in camp yet. Most of the fellows that I hunt with are very experienced (not necessarily older fellows) and I see 300 WM, 30-06, 7 RM, and occasionally 280 or 270 rifles in their hands. There is a fair following for the 338 WM if the country we are hunting is rough with deep canyons. A couple of the local boys carry rifles chambered in 257 Roberts but the traveling hunters go for something more powerful.
A few of the fellows are going to dial-your-distance scopes but there are still a good many that sight in 2.5" high at 100 yards and do not touch the scope afterwards. Long distance shooting is not encouraged, or tolerated, in most places I have been.
Stainless actions and barrels with good quality synthetic stocks seem to be almost universal in camp anymore amongst the traveling hunters. I think most of the local fellows tend to use blued steel and wooden stocks.
What are you guys seeing?