Bone, first let me say you have shared some great pics! And you are surely blessed to see all that.
When I read your story, I was taken back a couple of years when my buddy and I were searching for fall Turkey. Probably not far from where you were. But we reached this very thick willow section on a saddle and he went through first. As I stood there waiting not to get slapped. I looked to my right and at 20 yards stood the biggest Bull Moose I have ever laid my eyes on. I whispered to Kevin come back, at which he was not too happy to have to come back through that brush. But he did, and when he got to me I think he crapped his pants before I could....LOL.
This massive bull just stood there staring at us and drooling, racking the tree and pawing the ground. We had no where to escape to if he would have charged. I told Kevin to get his camera, as he reached to his pack we realized that he had left it in camp. But what a day, not to be forgotten.
I dont think that I will ever draw a tag for that area, unless I move back home and get REAL lucky. If anyone has a tag, I will let you know the area if you are willing to hike in.........
Again, great Job. When does your tag expire ?