As this sounds like it will be your first hunting rifle, I'd recommend you go with a
Remington bolt action rifle. Sako is excellent, but a little pricey for a first rifle. The Tikka is okay too, but I think you'll find a better selection with the Remingtons. Don't rule out the Rugers or Winchesters.

As already noted, it would be a good idea if you could try out some different rifles and
cartridges at the local ranges first. Don't be bashful. Just let folks know you're new at this, and would appreciate it if you could try firing a shot or two. Make a note of each rifle you try, especially how it feels and how it "fits" you. You could maybe try to grade each on a scale of 1 to 5. Listen to the advice you will get, but beware the "know it all types". And, remember, you are doing this to pick a rifle for yourself. Just because
a gun is perfect for someone else doesn't mean it has to be the one for you. Besides, few people will admit that the rifle that they own is not exactly the greatest even if they
don't like it much. Hard to admit to another they made a mistake, or wish they had spent a little more, and gotten brand x, or that they really can't handle the recoil, etc.

A 30-06 would make an excellent choice for most all your hunting needs, including Elk.
A couple of other good choices would be .308Win., .270Win., and the .280Remington.
I'd stay away from the magnums for a first gun unless you have had opportunity to try
one, and know you can handle the recoil, etc. For that matter, there's really nothing in
the lower 48states that requires a magnum to hunt with anyway.

Probably one of the best buys on the market today is the Remington 700 ADL with the
synthetic stock. It's available in a lot of cartridge chamberings too, including those I noted above. But remember, that's just my opinion. Try to check one out first to see how it fits you, if you like it. Good luck.