That is a monster of a predator. Thanks for the amazing write-up. Feels like I was there with you.
If I may suggest...
You may want to look into your local resell site (Craigslist, Facebook, etc) and try to source a used GoPro. They are compact, light, easy to pack and incredibly durable. They also happen to have a timer setting that will take photos as quickly as every half second. You could also set it to record the highest definition and then upload the footage to your PC and then export still frames from the recording to get the perfect image. The newer ones work better in low light but any will do well during the day. A small tripod to pack and you'll be good to go.