Interesting question, hadn't ever really thought about it too much, but here is a different perspective on it. It may seem a little of subject, but maybe everyone will see where I am going with this.

I believe I am very lucky to get to hunt where I do in Texas (up in the panhandle), and here is why. Our deer populations are good, and so are the size of the bucks (125-140 is an achievable goal, with muchbigger possible). Between bow season and general season I can hunt over 90 days if I so desire. We are talking Oct 1 thru Jan 7, which encompasses pre-rut, rut, and post-rut. Most of the land is private, and while that does make gaining access harder, it also means once I secure and area I don't have to worry too much about other hunters. I can bowhunt rifle season and not really worry about it, being rifle season really doesn't influence me much. It is big country up here, and hunter denisty is very low compared to what most of you guys have to deal with. I can't imagine complaining with that set of circumstances to work with.

Are there drawbacks? Of course. Access to private land can be tough to get if you don't know someone or have deep pockets. But once you find it, it is worth it. If it was easy to gain access then we likely wouldn't have the deer we do. The piper must be paid somewhere.