I don't think what you are doing is wrong...like you said...you want to hunt with buddies. That is completely understandable especially is there is ample public hunting available. Have a good hunt!

I personally don't hunt public land but it is because I don't have too. I invite my friends (3) to come hunt with me as my farm has plenty of game for us and they help me with my QDMA plan by only harvesting what needs to be harvested.