absolutely correct ... hunting in CA all i hunt is public...not sure what kind of ground you are looking at but most average joes will not go that extra mile....get as far back as you can..use google earth, yahoo maps, etc. to find good areas to begin the scouting and go there...hike in and get back there and try to get somwhere hi to glass out an area if possible to avoid foot traffic in that area.......the best time to scout is during july-august (IMO)....