Well it sounds like a good idea but it's not easy to find "old" bees because ccd is not a desiese it more affected by there surroundings because it affects charateristics and pesticides and depending on your location but there is a lot if factors that affect it.

do a search for "bee lining" it might fit the mold as bee whisperer...seems like fun if nothing else. Feral bees are supposed to be less of "puppy mill" category, if I read into what you are saying. Zone 5a you likely are not in an area for AHB. Go for it.

I've found a breeded who claims to have pure strains of A.m. mellifera -- in Sweden. You will likely not find pure strains of any honey bee in the US, exept maybe Russians from one of the few certified breeders.

Where do you live? You need to find someone in your area who raises bees. They will be more adapted to your local climate than those raised in the south.