I figured that was what the growths were and see them on deer from time to time. They look bad, but would not have a problem taking meat from that bull.
As I hunt I look for legal moose, but more than anything I look for a very good bull with wide palms and wide rack.
John- I looked at Alpacka rafts and several other pack rafts they weighed 6 to 15 pounds, but decided since I was getting flown in with a Beaver (weight not an issue)and I did not think I need to pack the raft very far, I went with a larger model. The raft was a Intex Mariner 3 from Cabelas. (on sale for $179 plus a $20 off and shipping of $16 to Alaska) It has inflatable seats which helped my knees while rowing by sitting up off the floor. It came with two oars, patch kit, and pump. Everything together weighed 65#. The raft features an inflatable keel and 18 inch side tubes with abrasion bumpers. The thing that adds weight is the collapsible accordian plastic flooring. I could stand in the raft while casting for pike. I rowed the raft for miles around the lake in heavy wind with no problem. I heard the smaller pack rafts are harder to manuver. This raft might not be as durable going up against rocks or sweepers in a fast river, but was perfect for me on this trip and could certainly freight out full moose meat.
I did use the same hip boots as last year, but this year after heavy use and rain every day the left boot started leaking around the ankle. I noticed they are not available anymore and could be due to inconsistant quality control. I am working with Sitka Gear on a boot project now that may fill our needs in the future.
I wore Sitka Stratus Jacket and pants every day. The windstoper worked well. The pants were custumized for me with water proof seat and knees. As you know we sit and glass for hours in wet moss. I hope they develope the product line for future use.
More than any place I have hunted, Alaska draws me in.