First off, I know this is well after the fact, but amazing story and write up! It was enough to get me out of lurking and signing up lol
I was supposed to go for elk in that same unit in November, but I ended up breaking my leg in a motorcycle accident. I've been left reading about everyone else's adventures for this year. When I came across your picture of your campfire I had to laugh. I recognized the tree log "bench" as I had taken my family to that exact spot to camp earlier this May and get a feel of the area that I was supposed to be hunting this part fall. It's a beautiful spot, and when we were there in May there was 6 or 8 elk down in that canyon that had me looking very forward to November lol.
Again, amazing story and adventure. Thanks for giving me something to look forward to for next time!