I will say this, about 90% ofthe hunting land I use is public land.All of my deerand turkey was done on public land. It's out there you just have to find it. Ihave had very good luck in San Diego especially for birds. If you are paying, maybe you are not looking hard enough. Don't me me wrong, hunt clubs and leases are great but there is plenty of public land there.I said it before and I will say it again, there are better deer areas. However, I would not let that stop you from hunting on public land. Good Luck.