You would be surprised at where they will turn up in Nevada. There’s hidden pockets of feed and moisture up in those barren hills. I have kicked up deer up high on barren peaks totally by surprise. Let us know how you do.
I got one specifically for packing into high mountain lakes. Check out wilderness lite float tubes. For cold water waders you have two options. Either some insulated waders or non insulated with pants/long John’s underneath. Non insulated with long John’s is going to be less weight.