Neoprene gloves can be nice in the wet spring. As for crossing creeks/cricks etc I just carry 4 of the 33 gal garbage bags. Work for toting meat and quick and easy to pull on for a quick crossing.
Keep in mind John that the areas you see bruins in the fall may not neccessarily be the areas you see bruins in the spring and vice versa...just a thunk
Will it do as a sheep rifle, you bet. I'd change out the scope in a heart beat. Something like a Leo 6x36 w/dotz is where I'd go.
The 257 Bee is a wonderful round and will do for most all that move on this earth so yeah it'd be fine for sheep.
Honestly, for the money I feel there's much better...