As to the original question, I have an OLD CB, with a 500 watt linear (illegal, I know). I wheel and hunt alone a lot in Northern AZ. Even though I can reach West Texas (sometimes on skip), 90% of the traffic is the local Native American population, as it is apparently very popular there.
I am strongly considering going the ham route.
Are you one of the guys that just rambles "Audio! Audio! Audio!" on various channels? Love to hear the guys from Alabama when I am on a trail in Mexico on CB.
#ComeToTheLightGetAHAMRadio