If you do a lot of traversing (which you do chasing elk in the mountains), I strongly recommend alpine/mountaineering boots over hiking boots. Salewa makes hiking/mountaineering boots that are soft enough for back packing, and stiff enough to take an automatic crampon. Not sure of their sizes, but I think you can go a little bigger.
Seems counterintuitive, but if you buy really nice mountaineering boots, and only wear them when you are hunting in the mountains, they will last the rest of your life for sure. If you wear them all the time in town to try and attract granola girls you will wear them out for sure. Heavy use better good work boots. Only when hunting or in the mountains then better purpose built boots.
Big feet are a problem as most of the best mountaineering boots don't run bigger than a 13. If you're feet are bigger it's probably better to go with Danners or Thorogood soft toe work/hiking boots, but get the midrise ones for more support traversing.
I'm old and no longer in athlete shape, but I would still rather have heavier boot with more support that will keep my ankles from rolling than a lighter one with less support, especially when traversing long, steep stretches off trail. I'd rather be a pussy and fall behind the pace than roll an ankle and have to walk out on a bad sprain in my light boots. Lighter boots make it more comfortable and increase your endurance, but IMHO they're not worth it a couple of days away from the car in the backcountry. Better to suffer under the weight and have the support so it's difficult to roll and ankle even if you are traversing the steep. Just my opinion.
