I also got my last elk in 18 which ran away after a 175 yard chest shot with a 7mm Mashburn Mag. While exiting the area he was accompanied by a large number of elk, who completely ruined any opportunity to trail the bull... I looked for three hours, to no avail. Two of us looked again, last fall and found no sign, hopefully he made it OK. However I did punch my tag and ended my season... This season I am using a Kimber lightweight, in 7mm AI, and will once again take a look at that same area. Hopefully I will get another opportunity.. Lots of lots of years have gone by since I moved from the 06, and I have not regretted my choice.
