Welcome from the Black Hills, not too far south of you. Let me know if you need any ideas of places to shoot.
One idea would be to get a heavier rifle, also in 6.5 creedmoor. I know recoil is mild with the 6.5, but with a heavier rifle you could really focus on precision and shooting a ton. Who knows - you might find that you like that kind of shooting and start having more of an interest in long range. Then, in a few years you will have an excuse to buy a magnum when you want to reach out and get an elk at longer range.
