Rochelle,

Some of us already own as much land as we can afford, but like the privelage of hunting in areas that practice sound management principles to see deer the way nature intended for them to live.

I could go buy a 40 in WI, or IL, or IA, but I can lease 500 acres a year for 1/4 what my payments would be for a 40, and I get the exclusive rights to hunt a large enough parcel in the prime deer country area I pick. By hunting on the larger parcel, with only 1-2 closely chosen friends that share the same management philosophy, we can not only have a relaxing, successful hunt, but we can pass up smaller bucks and feel somewhat confident that with a larger lease property that little guy might still be around in a year or two. That doesn't work on a 40, except for extreme circumstances.

Some people don't make the time or set asside the money to hunt in other states, but I do, and with sacrifices most people can too. I have a small home(1120 sq.ft.), no basement, small garage, small 2nd car, my wife works, we don't drink, smoke, get involved in bowling leagues or whatever, don't have a boat, don't go on fancy vacations, don't believe in expensive, family time consuming hobbies or sports for the kids, and live pretty modestly. I make up for those things with the ability to hunt and shoot more, have my own land, and the ability to spend the most time with my family, on our land at home or visiting relatives on vacation.

As far as an investment goes, I have memories, pictures, and good times with friends that will last a life time. If everything in life was a financial investment, we'd all be driving Chevy Metros, using homemade bows, living in a Duplex, not have kids, and work 2 jobs a day to invest and save as much money as possible, all without a computer of course.

There are financial investments, and lifetime investments. A good balance is a healthy lifestyle.

It's all about choices.

Jeff...U.P. of Michigan.