Re: Good start to winter for ungulates..?
Not my info, just relaying the studies' findings. In case of the sheep there is less snow accumulation on the upper portion of the northern aspects because of the wind and lack of sun affecting snowpack. Below the accumulation is higher helping keep preds out. The southern aspects in the area get cooked off in the late summer and fall, leaving the north the place to be for good wintering grub. And where all the netting/collaring went on throughout winter. Perhaps an anomolly this area.
Moose are absolutely on the southern slide paths.
The only advantage to a light rifle is it's weight, all other advantages go to the heavier rifle..