Sounds like your too worried about getting onto private land... Public land can be very rewarding, the key is to put a good deal of work into it. I am an hour or two north of you in Wisc. I have taken many big bucks off of public land where others have said there were no big bucks and hunting pressure would keep you unsuccessfull. My success has come from heavy scouting all year round. I hunted some illinois public ground early season last year and saw several huge bucks ( Around Chandlerville) one was even a for sure Booner, and I only actually hunted one weekend. You can call the IDNR or the WDNR and ask to talk with the area bioligist who should be able to tell you about specific public opertunitys in the areas your looking for... That tactic has worked really well for getting me onto great public and lesser known public spots in Iowa. Bottom line is it takes alot of work learning these propertys. Studying topo's and aeriels, walking the property inch for inch post season etc. If you learn the land, and you never over hunt the good spots, you should have no problem getting onto good bucks on the public. Private access will come adventually, but even once you have it., don't just hunt there and burn it up. Move around alot and keep the spots fresh.
I just finished a 2 1/2 hour DVD that explains exactly how I hunt public land in S.E. Wisconsin successfully taking big bucks every year. It might be a good resource for you. Here is a link to check it out or purchase it if you like:
http://bloodbro.com/huntingmarshbucks.php