When I thiink lightweight, and your other specs, the 3.5x10 Leupold would meet every one of them. There are a lot of excellent scopes in your price range. I would definitely recommend a variable. The fixed 10x would be useless in the woods. And you may have a ten yard shot on year.
One other thing. Elk are delicious. For that reason alone, the lower meat damage from a controlled expansion bullet pushes me to the AB, Partition and copper bullets.
Your feet don't stay the same size throughout your adult life. All that hammering on them by hard hiking can and will make them bigger. But have a doctor check you out and also, get your fit checked out. I had a pair of boots that were fine for me for years cause massive blisters in 2022...
I like it. My 3 pins are at 20/30/40. I figure beyond 45 or so, I have time to range and dial. It works just fine. Prefer it over the older 2 pin where the pins were immovable. Heavier, yes, but not appreciably so.
Elk are big. I've killed elk out to 519 with a 3x9 Kahles scope on my rifle and antelope at 500, too. Having the lower magnification and greater field of view will be much better for hunting in the timber.
Go to your local bowshop and look on the rack. Last year's models may be in your price range as will some good used ones. And there are a lot of good bows in your price range, just have to see what fits you and shoots well for you. You should have no problem.
I've been impressed with the Smartwool gloves. I can use my phone, they are thin, and they keep my hands quite warm. $40 at REI.... I tend not to archery hunt with gloves on but these were outstanding during our -10 degree weather this week.
Really? I can tell you from experience that the moment they see a vehicle in SW Wyoming, antelope take off like they were being paid well to run. That probably works on private ranches where they aren't shot at as a matter of course, but otherwise not so much. But I've only killed about 30...
I'd call CPW and speak to the NW biologist instead of asking here. The herds were hammered last winter. It may not be a good year to spend that many points in the NW part of the state.
Do not seek legal advice over the internet. It's worth exactly what you paid for it.
I am an attorney. I will tell you that only written advice from CPW is a valid defense. Calling and getting advice won't help you.
https://www.sloganoutdoors.com/slings
I use the Slogan Outdoors sling. It stretches, taking a little of the weight off your shoulders and cinches up tight for offhand shots.
Private property can greatly increase your odds of success. You can sit on the roads and see hundreds of elk on private ranches during the season. They aren't all on the private dirt but a lot of them sure learn quickly.
The current government in Colorado is trying to eliminate hunting altogether. "Wildlife managing wildlife" is code for "no hunting." That's why they are importing wolves and that's why the OTC seasons are getting worse. Colorado is electing people who want to destroy the Western heritage of...
I just use the bino straps and a piece of fleece to keep water out of the eyepiece. Never needed more even in a strong rain. To me, the bags against my chest on a hot day make me overheat.
I'm the guy who shot a pronghorn with a 103 gr ELDX out of a 6mm Creedmor at 100 yds only to see her get up and run away, never to be found again. Wittessed shot and lung hit. An hour later, I shot one at 275, bullet penetrated 3-4". I recovered that one. I give Hornady a lot of credit but...