From what I’ve read it’s worth looking into NC coastal black bears. Apparently they are some of the largest in the country and depending on where u live it can be a drive vs. airfare. Outdoor life or field and stream (can’t recall which) did an article on them and talked about their immense size, which surprised me. Apparently they grow to crazy weights...but weirdly not huge skulls. Anyway, I haven’t researched the cost but I’m thinking it could be a cheaper option vs Canada.