If I stick with my first choice of elk, I would go with my 7.5" open sighted BFR in .454 Casull. I was on the fence about switching my choice to small game (undecided between squirrel, grouse and rabbits). I would go with my Ruger Single-Six .22lr if I chose to go with a small game species. These are decisions I would really hate to be forced into.

Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce.
Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper