Because you guys wanna punch the easy button. I don't scout the units I draw but still manage to do fine. Hunting other areas is about the experience and sometimes that experience is getting punched in the dick and overcoming either crowds, weather, terrain, lack of access, etc. If you don't...
I hunt OTC areas that are way better than draws, so it absolutely has to do with the area. Work is a given, some areas just happen to be worth the work, and some of them can be had for very little points or OTC.
***Caveat, I am talking all public land hunting. I think almost any area can...
I've quartered many an elk solo, including several big bulls. The key is using leverage to your advantage and being strong. Most people are weak even if they think they are strong. Strong is 1.5+ BW squat, 2x+ BW deadlift. If you can do those your back shouldn't hurt and you should be able...
There is a buyer out of Divide, MT I have used several times. He runs through something like 100K lbs of antler a year, so he would be a good guy to go with.
You'll be fine. I used to shoot them with 3" #2 steel duck loads out to 40-45 yds. If you look at the lethality tables, #5 lead and #2 steel hold lethal penetration to about the same yardage, 45-50 yards. Now, you will want to pattern the gun to see how tight those patterns are at those...
I'll say this, you were pretty much dead nuts on that 300K estimate in the OP. I thought for sure the stone would be the most expensive but the bighorn blew it out of the water.
Hmmm, it's more personal preference. I one tripped 3 mature mule deer bucks (110 lb ish pack weight) and half a bull elk plus camp (140-145 lb) this year with a Terminus. I previously used EXO and Kifaru frames, the SG Terminus handles weight better than those. Can't comment on the new models...
You're gonna need more capacity than 7000 cu in. I would look at the SG Terminus 8700. I have the 7000 version and it checks all your boxes, but you need more volume than that.