I have taken a good buck every year with the exception of 2007 for over 20 years... I hunt mainly public ground. I have never taken a buck on a lease or with an outfitter yet... The biggest tip I could give you is to scout 3X more than you hunt.. Scouting is critical to success.
Second most important pc of info would be to set up very close to buck bedding outside of the rut. Mature bucks don't move far from bedding in daylight.