Most of us novices have our mentors or even heroes to guide us along the way. That's what we use this forum for. In the short five months I have played this forum, I have truly enjoyed and learned from EKM and several others. I was not upset with your comments, EKM, but was surprised that you seemed upset.

Pictured below is my "hero", crusty Bill Hoppe of Gardiner MT, after coaching my son through his first elk kill. He is saying, "You got the best gun, son. Learn this .270 and you will never need anything else. Wish I could get that through some of my other hunters' heads"

Now, my sons and I have never taken a bull. Had some small ones in range, but would rather take a female than a small rack male. I realize the cows we have taken are only about 1/2 to 2/3 the size of a good bull.

After the picture, Bill was as "straight" with me as EKM in this topic, jabbing me about my new .300 wsm. "Well, I guess if you just gotta have your big gun, OK, but it won't do anything for your elk hunting". He invited me to come back next season well practiced on my .270. "Learn what you can and can't do with it, that'll make you a hunter. Not buying a bigger gun"