Yeah, it sucks to have to fork out that kind of money for a lease. But realize that you don't have to have 1,000 acres to yourself to be successful.
It's nice to have a lot of land, but it's not essential. Many guys in the east are successful on 10-20 acres! The Eberharts practically specialize hunting on tiny parcels...with great success. It's unrealistic for most hunters to expect to be able to 'manage a herd' on their own...just isn't going to happen. Therefore, you have to learn to work with what you have. I understand that you need more land if you're out west because there is less cover, but still...1,000 acres isn't a requirement IMO.