I would recommend a gohunt.com membership which will be great for e-scouting, mapping, and filtering out areas that don't have what you need. Next would be choose weapon for sure, bow or rifle. I would say most areas in the rockies are going to experience peak rut sometime in mid to late...
I would love to say I worked in the industry at all...or lived out west like you mtmuley but I actually live in TN. Just a gear head who is addicted to western hunting and time in the mountains.
I have used the MR Metcalf with the guide light frame as well as the Marshall and Beartooth 80 with the Guide Light MT frame before switching to Kifaru. I would recommend watching the videos on the MR youtube channel, then watching the videos on fitting a Kifaru on their youtube channel as well...
I was over the moon excited when the MT frames came out because I thought it would solve my only complaint with the MR. I can only speak to my experience and that of my hunting partner. We are both 32" waist and using the medium belt. We could not find a way to adjust the guide light frame to...
Mystery Ranch Metcalf Guidelite Frame: The pack was too small for 10 day backcountry hunts given my packing strategy. The waist belt and lumbar pad combo failed to keep the pack in place under loads. I carried 50 lbs in and when successful 125 lbs out. 1 year 4 season use.
Mystery Ranch...