There you go, free places to hunt are good places to hunt. And Army bowhunter agree's, there are plenty of deer, but be prepared to walk steep hills. Most of the hiking I've done in the area was at Fort Leonardwood, but also Meremec spring area and Bennet Spring and Montauk Spring and around the lake. It's far from flat, unless like I said your in a river bottom or something.
North Missouri at the Iowa line is where I am, right along I-35. If you ever have a buck tag left over and want to use it to hunt here in Muzzleloader season let me know. I don't know that I can do free, but I can make a good deal on a muzz hunt.
The miles and money saved might be worth it and you will have much bigger deer to try for.