A couple of years ago, I brought a 358 Win Ruger bolt (a little brother to your 35 Whelen) on a backpack elk hunt and was politely asked by a hunting buddy why I brought it rather than my 300 Win Mag that I had used in the past. The reason I shared was that the 35 cal is a fine, hard-hitting caliber that is accurate and easy to shoot. Regardless of whether a rifle is a bolt action, pump, or even a single shot if you shoot it well, use it. You can give them a ribbing when you pack your elk into camp.
