I was reading a post from several years ago and it said that Giant Ice Beetles and Icy Dire Wolves are the best source for getting hoard at my level. Is this still true today?

I have less than half of the hoard level that I should, so it looks like I am going to be spending a great deal of time hunting these guys. With such a low hoard-armor bonus and not really the best scales, I have to think about forming a really good defensive plan.

I am shopping crystals, potions, exploring biped buffs and I may be able to craft some lower level scales (tier III techs) with the proper defenses. What should I use to protect myself against them… Ice Resistance or Ice Ward?

Also, is there something I can put on my claw that might help fight them better?