I've only shot one bear, also a 250-lb sow, from under 50 yards with a 73 ELD-M. I went with vitals. She died inside 30 yards, but if she'd gone more than 50 or so, tracking would have been a challenge in the thick cover. I didn't get to hear a death moan, sadly.
I broke my bear completely down into large muscles so I could trim it aggressively, but have been making smoked "ham" similar to yours out of all those pieces. It is amazing. If I could legally kill enough bears to keep the freezer fully stocked, I would never eat another whitetail.
Somebody makes a vest, or smock, that you wear on your shoulders and throw meat in a big pouch (might be a pouch front and back). I can't remember who, you might be able to google it up. Like panniers for humans.
The frame and suspension fit is individual, but I personally like it. I didn't at first though - I actually hated the first one I had and got rid of it pretty quick. Then I found out there are two short straps that connect the bottom of the frame to the belt; once I made loosening those and...