I am also sorry to here about people losing family, and I am sorry for you loss.

I live about 2-3 hours from crawford and I also agree with that gun being a good choice. Will be enough gun for sure and for 100 yard shot, no problem. I hope you have as much fun as I do. I love hunting elk. We live in a trophy unit so we only get to hunt elk about 1 time every 9-10 years. But man is it ever exciting..

good luck