Joe,
I have taken elk with both WW & Snuffers. I think you will be just fine with WW. Suggest you shorten up the tip.
I do agree with everyone who says both WW & Snufs do a wake up call on the animals. I have not seen any hesitation on elk moving right out after impact. That said, I have often been able to stop them, or at least slow them down with a bugle ater the shot.
It has been my experience that I don't generally find much of a blood until about 40 yards down the trail. Seems to take that long before it hits the ground. But there are exceptions!
Can't comment about any difference from a treestand or on the ground; never shot from a tree.
But I will tell you that you guys that shoot a bunch of animals in a year know a lot more about trailing than most of us out in the West.
bob@helleknife.com