Funny though that the majority of landowners who lease their ground is the big landowners or corporate farmers. As hard as it is, its much easier to gain permission to hunt on land owned by a small landowner than it is by a large landowner. By the way, the little guys suffer because they don't farm nearly as much land. Most smaller farmers also work regular jobs, my dad did.

The people didn't vote, only the members appointed by our politicians to a special committee each year. I have no problem with non-resident hunters being here. What I do have a problem with is our state caters to special interests and could care less about resident hunters.

Back to leasing and to a subject of why some hunters cannot or do not lease........has anyone mentioned the fact that most of the best hunting land is found in relatively small populated rural areas where job prospects are fewer and salaries are generally less. Many local hunters in those locations simply cannot justify leasing to hunt because their budget doesn't allow it. That is when outfitters step in and take over or non-residents with big money lease the land. Reminds me of what I was told when I entered the telecommunication program in college. The director repeatedly reminded us that southern Illinois is not the mecca for telecomm and neither are jobs , so be prepared to move.