I remember in 2012 a couple guys were attacked in Grand Teton NP just a few days before Thanksgiving. It has been warm and dry (until today) in western Wyoming, so I imagine bears may be out longer. I typically haven't worried much about them this late in the fall, but you never know...
I can't really help, but I have a CVA Optima that I have hunted with a little bit and it is solid. Just be sure to check the regs of the states you plan to hunt in. Some are very primitive and some allow a lot of new technologies. It is pretty fun, I need to shoot mine more.
It seems a little odd that an ATV and a trailer would put you above your GVWR, but I don't know your setup. As far as a new 3/4 ton diesel, I'd rather be cummin' than strokin'
Because it was implemented under Biden and therefore it is unacceptable. They'll say that conservation isn't a 'use,' but the rule made it clear that conservation leases were intended to be active projects that restored degraded habitat or mitigated damages. It would have been cool to see some...
Can't help with the landowner deal, but I used to hunt there and while I never shot a big buck, my friend has shot a couple real nice deer. You should be in for a good hunt.