Part of the humor in the piece is found in the absence of moose in the southwestern U.S. The man is referring to a large cow-patty.

During my scatological sojourns in Maine the locals (Maniacs) used to laugh hysterically about the dumb summer people who would buy "moose-turd-jewelry." A moose turd is about size of the first digit of an index-finger and in the smooth oval shape of a pecan; they are fiberous like compressed partical-board and found in abundance throughout the North-Maine-Woods. Locals would shellac them and then string them into necklaces and earrings. They sold in gift shops for 15 to 25 dollars. Cost of materials about five cents. It is/was great for the local economy.