Thanks for the generous offer. We decided to buy canisters since we're probably going to be hunting there again in the future and we found them on sale. The added weight and the space they take up really sucks but if we get on some elk it'll be worth it. I read that the fine for not having one is 5k too so we definitely didnt want to roll the dice and hunt without themDo you have a bear keg? I bought one for our hike to that area. I would be willing to loan it to you if you want or need it. Just pay the shipping to and from or drive thru NW iowa on your way. It does ad weight to your pack and is a clumbsy thing to have to pack every day but I guess that's the rules out there. It was big enough for 2 of us for 4 days. PM me if you want to use it.