Should have added....
fshafly, it does get tough. The base is broken down to about 29 areas of various sizes. Some are archery only and some are open for both bows and guns. Besides the tension of getting a good zone we have had problems with stands being stolen, blinds being destroyed, etc. You'd think that with all of us being brothers in arms that we'd look out for one and other, but it's not always like that. I'm sure these acts are carried out by a select few, but it makes it bad for all of us. Once I found the private property that I now hunt, I have not hunted the base much since. It's very convenient as I can literally hunt within 15 yards of my office, but I like to get away from the traffic, plan fly-overs, etc. I still hunt here if I'm in a pinch for time, but other than that I don't.
All that said, we do have some bruisers here. They have wonderful agriculture support by the farmers how come on base and farm the fields. There is an abundance of corn and soy beans. In contrast, my private property has none of that so the deer are not as huge. It's give and take.
Craig