I've hunted both states quite a bit. 4/5 different south Texas ranches, including the Kenedy. All my Illinois hunting has been on public land. Hunted it for maybe 10 years. I highly prefer Illinois due to the cost savings. Illinois public land is equal if not better than Texas private land.No way I'd pay to lease land in Texas now. Would be glad to visit and hunt someone else's lease for free though.

Always wondered why I didn't see more Texas plates when I hunted on Kansas public land. Not a long drive to hunt quality land for for only the tag fee. Great campgrounds as well. Guess some folks just don't mind paying lease fees every year.