RE: New Mexico Bear
Elk guide took a big boar a year or two ago, he of course is a local NM though.
I see many guys going to Canada and they shoot the 1st bear they see, and its usually pretty small. If your plan is to just shoot whatever, and NM would save you some bucks, not sure how the success rates run though....but if its apples to apples, I'd consider saving some cash. The big boys are in canada though, I really suggest waiting, passing on bears til a big one comes in. On my 7 day hunt, I didn't take a bear until day 6 and 7. Didn't even pull the trigger until then. Took 2 big boars.
Not sure how easy a DIY NM bear hunt would be, would ontario be DIY as well? I think if i had a connection at either locale, I'd choose that option.