I concur. Absolutely no reason to lug around a heavy gun. All the modern changes in barrel technology allow lighter profile high-quality barrels to shoot very well depending on ammo and even do well under sustained firings. For a 5.56 barrel, I would recommend a Centurion lightweight. Perfectly...
You can run a Safariland Universal Belt Loop (UBL) and QLS fork system like all the cool tactical dudes that works great without a lot of bulk. Just run one leg strap on this for stability and there are different UBLs to choose from depending on how much drop length you want.
Lot of guys running Wilson Combat's 300 HAM'R on hogs. Really nice velocity jumps compared to 300 BLK (really more designed for supers more than subs) and BLK might be a little better with shorter barrels. Still uses standard AR15 bolts but 300 BLK mags do work better.
I am old enough to fondly remember hunting cental Idaho with my dad on horseback almost 40 years ago. NEVER saw a single soul and it was great. Moved out of the state and shocked from what I hear. Really sad state of affairs now it seems.
Idaho: Born and raised there. Fantastic growing up and hunting the mountains. Never a soul is sight. Moved away and heard it is not the same (too many people now).
Chicago: Great food and that is about it. Was never a great state for hunting (almost all private) and way too dangerous and...