Oh don't worry, there will be plenty. It's the new hip thing to do, until it's gone like every other hip thing up here (POW to a draw for bear, 23/26 Closure, Kodiak deer, etc).
Gary is a great guy and a good friend of mine; I am not surprised that everything went well. He's as meticulous as they come when hunting is involved, and I am certain he is treating these hunts as if they were his own. Glad you guys had a great trip!
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 4 would be great for 2 people. I love mine and don't feel bad about the extra room when I take it solo for as light as it is.
I am your age, been serving since I was 18, can't wait to be done :)
But... It's been the best ride ever for me.
In short, I can't imagine joining at 37.
You'll be in Zone 2, possibly 3, shouldn't be an issue at all since they are allocating 360 of the 750 to Zones 1 and 4.
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/applications/publicnotification/2023/orders/R3-3-23.pdf