Just got invited to hunt Elk in 2017

[Chris.Wood]

Hi Guys I just got invited to hunt elk in Colorado in 2017 can someone wizen me up to what I need to do to bring a rifle into the US or am I better off just borrowing one when I arrive.
Thanks in advance.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I'm not an expert by any means as I live in the U.S. so it's different obviously for me. But I would start here:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...nition-to-the-u.s.-for-hunting/sport-purposes

 

[Chris.Wood]

Thanks Phil that explains everything and is nice and simple to understand.

 

[CAustin]

Chris what rifle you planning to use on this hunt?

 

[cpr0312]

Glad you will get the chance to hunt elk! Best of luck, I have no idea of what to tell you about bringing a rifle to the US, it may be better to borrow one if you can.

 

[Chris.Wood]

Caustin, the only one I have that I would consider using on Elk would be my 45-70. I would love to take an Elk with it but I may be better off borrowing one when I get there. I guess it all depends on what sort of ranges and cover I can expect to encounter, I also saw I can get a combined Bear tag and I figure the 45-70 would be good for that please correct me if I am wrong though.

 

[CAustin]

Caustin, the only one I have that I would consider using on Elk would be my 45-70. I would love to take an Elk with it but I may be better off borrowing one when I get there. I guess it all depends on what sort of ranges and cover I can expect to encounter, I also saw I can get a combined Bear tag and I figure the 45-70 would be good for that please correct me if I am wrong though.

There will be many to disagree but I think your 45-70 will be fine as long as we are talking 150 yards or less. A 325 grain bullet from one of those will travel at about 1800 ft/se to start out but it slows down fast. Good shot placement maybe even out to 200 yards and your good. Yes on bear too.
Elk are tougher than deer but I have literally destroyed a deer with my Marlin 45-70 at about 80 yards. You can get heavier bullets but you wouldn't really need it.

 

[Chris.Wood]

Thanks Caustin thats pretty much what I figured from what I have read so far. I run woodleigh 350 grain projectiles at close to 2000fps and find they drop around 18" at 200yrds. I can keep them all on a piece of A4 paper at that range with a good rest but I much prefer to be under 150yrds. From what I can gather an Elk is 1/3 again bigger than a Sambar deer so I shouldn't have a problem if I can get within 200yrds.

 

[CAustin]

Chris
A bull Rocky Mountain elk will weigh between say 800 to 1000 lbs for a big one. Many people hunt them with 300 win mag or 30-06 180 grain bullets. Some are shot at long distances. Not sure where you will be hunting and under what conditions but you might also want to bring a longer shooting rifle as well.

 

[Chris.Wood]

Thanks for that, I may end up leaving the 45-70 home and use my buddy's 30-06, still you know how it is you like to use your own gear as often as you can. I dont think I own anything else big enough to do the job as I wouldn't consider a .243 an Elk calibre. Sure I can drop 100grn projectiles in a coffee cup at 440yrds with it and it would probably do the job with the right shot but I wouldn't want to risk it. I will know more about where I will be hunting and what the bush and terrain is like when my buddy gets back from this years hunt and sends me some photos.

 

[CAustin]

Bring the 45-70 and if the shot is there use your rifle. But if it's a long one use your friends. Buy a box of ammo for his 30-06 when you get here and practice with it. 20 rounds and you would be good to go!
Like you I want yo use my rifles on game.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Not sure what rifles cost there Chris. But if you want to get a great rifle for carrying in the mountains and they're available in Oz, look at a Tikka T3 Lite in .30-06. At least in the U.S., I don't think you can find a better rifle for the money. There are some a little cheaper, but in my opinion give up a lot to the Tikka in quality and accuracy. The Tikka's are just a less pretty Sako.

You'll have your own rifle that you'll be familiar with and would be something to use for future hunts. Elk, bear or PG in Africa it will do the job.