I've done plenty of timber hunting for deer, have a Marlin 336 in 35 Remington, but I don't think I could get myself to carry a lever gun for Elk, mainly because where I hunt them there's always the chance of a longer range shot. Although, If I did it would be a Marlin 1895 .45-70.
A better setup for me has been my Kimber Adirondack in .308. Short barrel, just over 6# scoped and loaded, very easy to carry, and can stretch out to better ranges if needed. I have a Swarovski Z5 2.4-12x50 for a scope, which has great optics, BRH holdover reticle for any longer shots.
Although, I really do want an excuse to buy that Marlin 1895 SBL .45-70... Maybe I should just shoot my 35 Rem more instead...
When I hunt the "Dark Timber" I use a 45/70. I have killed two with it. But be careful when hunting the dark timber, because that is where they bed. Too much noise and they will leave and be gone.
Nope. I kicked the habit of spooking elk years ago. They eat 20 pounds of food a day and they don’t do it in the timber so I catch them out in the open. I might hunt through timber mid day to relocate but try do do that in the most open stuff I can find. My 6.5 to 20 power works fine on the low setting.