I think you make some very valid points atlasman. Although we disagree, I think our opinions are really closer than what might appear by our posts. I think the only way to measure a hunters success is by defining the meaning of success. In some areas success could mean P&Y bucks, other areas it could mean about any buck and some it could mean getting a shot at a deer period.

Another variable here is the differences of state/government land from area to area. When you stated that is what you hunted I assumed your state land was like some of the state land we have available to us in VA. We are fortunate enough to have 2 National Forests that have over 1.60 million acres all available for the outdoorsman. Now these forests appear to be crowded but you do not have to get far off old roads and trails to leave all but the dedicated hunters behind.