I cheeked out an experimental spot for an outfitter friend of mine this year. Ended up seeing 15 different bulls from the ground. Lots of opportunity. Was looking for an absolute tank so didn't fill my tag. The only monster I saw never got closer than 800 yds so he walked. He was into the upper 60's and pushing up hard on 70". Passed this other bull on my last day about 200 yds behind the tent, decided to stick with my guns and hold out for a big one and he wasn't big enough to justify the horrible solo pack from where he was. Planning to head back out west once the December season opens up.
I'm a firm believer in hunting early rut at least in western AK and my schedule didn't get me into the field until the 12th this year. Saw 6 bulls as we circled to land and 5 already had cows. Most bulls I saw on the ground were with cows or chasing cows. They were making a ton of noise, but nothing was willing to leave a cow to check me out. Only called in a few bulls the whole trip. Even bulls with cows within 100 yards would gather their cows and run em off instead of fight.
EDIT: To clarify, I should say I believe in hunting early in areas with very high moose density. Which is where I typically hunt in Western AK. I know someone will call it out with their experience so figured I would get ahead of it. Lots of bulls means find your cows early and protect them IMO. I've only got about 50 days of moose hunting out there, so I guess hopefully I have it figured out in the next decade....
