Duane-Don't feel bad. No matter what anyone "THINKS" it is always tough. I have "LIVED" in Ill., Iowa all my life in "BIG" Buck country. They just don't walk by every chance your in the field. I have been Bowhunting over 50 years & those that connect consistently have several factors (usually). 1st, several hours afield, some type property the Bucks are kinda protected so they can grow big like the people who practice management (now) OR some type sanctuary/park ect. where no hunting is allowed bordering where they hunt. I have Bowhunted many tracts of excellent private properties & it usually boiled down to how much gun hunting went on with family or friends of the owner. Not saying that is always the story but anyway-at least you got away for a little fun vacation. Oh, I have yet to draw my bow-haven't even had a Doe where I can fill an antlerless tag (Iowa) & I have passed on 3 small Bucks. Son in law has been hunting solid starting his 2nd week & taken 1 antlerless & passed on 1 little 6 & another forky. His buddy has had 1 shot at a Doe (Iowa). We have ALL seen decent Bucks but not close enough. My son & brother live 30 miles away in Ill. & neither of them have drawn their bow on anything yet. We are all Bowhunting excellent places & have ALL taken many deer with a bow. None of us are, so to speak, "Rookies". So, when you try to close the deal in a week, it's TOUGH, no matter where. Take one of those BIG southern Bucks & I will try to add a decent Buck & we should end up the "WINNER". Good Luck to all.