If she can handle 3-5 shots from a 30-06 at a sitting, what's the problem? How many shots is she going to get at one time at an elk? If a 30-06 is too much, a 270 or a 7mm-08 with 140 grain premium bullets should do nicely.
She should get one of these:
http://www.browning.com/products/cat...cattype=309013
You can buy shirts with a pouch to hold the pad, or it can easily be added to an existing shirt:
http://www.browning.com/products/cat...cattype=301164