RE: WHAT LOAD FOR FIRST ELK?
Good luck. It is one of the greatest events I've ever participated in. I had to wait until I retired from the service - seems year after year during hunting season we would always be involved in some sort of training or on a "mission from God" that pretty much blew the season.
The majority of the hunters in our camp use the Nosler Partition, in calibers ranging from .308, 7mm mag, 06, .300 RUM up to .338 mags. I originally used the Fed Premium 180 grain NP. I've taken two bulls (Colorado) and have been quite satisfied with the 180 grain NP's knockdown power. I got a .300 Rum last year for no reason other than lust. My .30-06 was a Browning BAR and I got one to one and a half inch groups at 100 yards firing the Fed. Premium 180 grain NP.
On my first hunt I was amazed at the vastness of the country we hunted in in SW Colorado. Be prepared to cover large distances and be in the very best shape possible. Even altitudes as low as 5-6000 feet can wind you. We camp and hunt above 10,000 feet.
Hope you bag one - a magnificent animal. Regards.