If you are handloading copper, you might want to look at the 150gr badlands bullet.
https://badlandsprecision.com/product/308-150gr-bulldozer-2/
If you need factory ammo, the 180gr Norma Bondstrikes have been good for me. Quick kills, lots of meat damage though. They seem to be in stock most...
I like Q, even though you are limited to 96, 97, and 98. Lots of public, far from any town, easy to draw despite few NR tags, and you have to shoot a 'big' one (4 pt rule). Has mountians and sage so you can pick the type of hunt you like best.
I would save your 5 point and do an OTC hunt. If it is your first elk hunt you will make many mistakes and learn a lot. Not just about finding elk, but gear choices, fitness, terrian limitations, etc.
Howa mini action 6mm arc. Has a better rate of twist than the 243 for heavier bullets. Brownells has barreled actions and you can get whatever stock best fits the shooter. Bell and carlson sells stocks for the mini.
I use one. I like it. I also use the spartan head and adapter for the rifle. Makes a very stable tripod for shooting. Just pop the binos off and add the rifle.
I would stick with copper to avoid too much cranberry sauce. 140 ballistic tips from a 7-08 tend to ruin both shoulders even if you hit them in the ribs.
If the embers aren't burning holes in your tent they are not likely to cause a fire else where. Some stoves have an extra arrestor that goes on the top of the pipe.
About lighting, just make sure the top of the stove jack isn't the tallest thing around.
The NC chapter of back country hunters and anglers has a couple of people who frequent Bragg. Marty Bartram was born there and is the Armed forces initiative coordinator. You can try to contact them via the nc chapter page.
https://www.backcountryhunters.org/north_carolina_chapter_board