I hope you have a great hunt!
I've lost opportunities on elk due to cheap scopes being broken when I came up for a shot. Never again!
As a rule, I want my glass to cost about as much as the naked rifle. Some I have cost more. Schmalts is the man for glass. I have European scopes, but I've had amazing luck with Leupold's VX-3i line. Now upgraded with even better features in the price class. I'm slowly investing in better glass for every rifle I own.
I've killed a bunch of elk with the 30-06. No matter what caliber you decide, be prepared to keep shooting until it's down. You can blow out a bulls' heart and he might stand there for a while. If the first shot is sweet, they can go right down. If they get their adrenaline up, they can take every round in your rifle. Make your first shot your best shot. My first elk took three 180 grainers from my 30-06. When he tipped over and I ran over there I found three entrance holes in a 3 inch triangle, low in the lungs. He just didn't fall down. Then he started looking a little drunk, then over he went.
I later learned I had run over to the elk with a live round in the tube and the safety off. Elk make people do stupid things. Don't be like me.
Don't be shocked if you don't get an exit hole with a 22" 30-06 on a bull elk. You often find your bullet(s) laying under the hide on the off-side. Their hide will stretch and absorb an amazing amount of energy.
If you're are having trouble getting your Axis to shoot good groups, (and you have already replaced the scope), go find the YouTubes about stiffening the stock with epoxy.
You pay in weight, but it will tighten your groups. Having said that, if it works, don't fix it.
I had to replace my 4 ply tires last year after a day of off-roading rock bruised one. Some rental companies will provide chains. Les Schwab Tire stores will sell you chains, then buy them back later if they are unused.
Knife wise - for the money, the Randy Newberg Gerber is the best thing out there. I'm using an Outdoor Edge change blade knife because someone gifted it to me and I'm cheap. I've done one elk with it and several deer and it works. I still carry a small diamond sharpener and will use it for the changable blades too. At least for skinning. Once you hit bone with them, move on to a new blade. (If anyone wants to gift me a DTS, I'll DM my address...) Replacement blades do not add much weight. Make sure you have more than you think you will need. I carry 12 in the knife sheath. Elk eat knife blades
I'm 59 this year and I'm prepping for a SE Alaska hunt this fall. My workout is hiking and climbing with my fully loaded pack. That's all my camping gear and rifle, plus extra weight to simulate hauling meat. I filled a cardboard tube with 12 pounds of lead to simulate my rifle if I am hiking somewhere a rifle is not appropriate.
I don't try to crank out personal bests. Too fast and too heavy will get you a turned ankle or worse. I do practice navigating blow downs and crossing obstacles. I use trekking poles.
Hunting solo means being aware of your situation at all times. I train the same. Idaho has plenty of natural steep for training. If I could not find it locally, I'd go find a stadium to get longer stair hikes.
My workout has also helped me fine tune my pack load-out and make sure the load bearing system is adjusted for my body. Heavy meat loads can hurt you if your pack is not right. If your pack is set up right, an elk pack load isn't really too bad.
If I shoot something in a hell hole, I shuttle all the loads to the top first, then take each load all the way out after that. Shuttling loads means more loading and unloading, but has advantages in bear country. It is nice knowing you only need to go a 1/2 mile for that last load instead of all five miles back in again. It helps if your pack has a compression strap system and you are not tying on quarters with 550 para-cord.
Good luck on your hunt. I can't wait for your report(s).
