There is two sides to this coin and i cannot speak on the behalf of Private land hunters. I have pretty much hunted Public land in IL all of my life too. I would love to hunt private land and do all the things I am supposed to do ... scout year round, pattern the same deer, ect. but i cant ...I only get a few weeks vacation, so when i drive 3 hours and get to my area, i have to speed scout, use my knowledge and hopefully get a little lucky, i cant use a scout camera ... it would take more pictures of people than deer, and/or get stolen. When i see a giant deer pic or mount it makes me want to hunt private land, but I know if i never do hunt it, my 4 y/o heavy 8 pointer on Public land is something to be very proud of.