Mike,

I know what you mean about cost. If I would have had to do an outfitter to Illinois I don't think I could do it either (five days $2000 or more and $400 worth of licenses gets pricey).

I got a better dealthan that because we're doing private farms and I get to do my own scouting and setups too, which I prefer anyway.

The other thing is that this deer hunting thing is a passion for me and I don't mind working a little harder or extra jobs in order to pay for the passion. Still, this is the first year I've tried it and I don't know if I'll continue. We'll see!