dpv....hunting national forests in Va can be ok during bow season. There' s not that much pressure. Gun season...that' s a different story usually. You can still do good in nat forests during gun season if you are willing to walk. Most hunters will only hunt about 1/4-1/2 mile from where they access. Get in early and go deep is your best bet. As far as hunting without scouting....yeah it' s still better than work, but if it was me, I' d be out scouting. Nothing is worse than hunting blind...especially public ground.