Cabelas has VX6 scopes with CDS on sale now 2-12 under $800 the 3-18 under $1100. Those would go nicely with whatever rifle you choose. I'd be tempted to pick up a Weatherby S2 with Talley lightweights and come in under budget enough to buy an elk tag too. They aren't light and most won't win a beauty contest but they real point and shoot well..... back to that rifle as a tool idea.