Been hunting public woods about thirty years. Have never had any problems that you here people talk about. I hunt hard. When it comes to public hunting it is best to know one area like the back of your hand. It may take me 2 to 3 years to really understand what is happening in a block of woods. The deer will always find those secluded areas where human scent is minimized. Sometimes they are far away and other times within 100 yds of the main road hidden in plain sight. Another factor is using other hunters for your successprovided you don't disturb their hunt.
I have come to the conclusion years ago that you will see more deer in public land during the times when many hunters are in the woods. Just people moving around will have the deer moving as well. My favorite time to hunt is when there is a low number of people in the woods. This makes it more of a challenge for me.
I hopeI never see baiting allowed in public woods. But anyway that is another issue. LOL this year to all.