"Seems that there has been bad hatches in isolated areas."

I don't think it's so isolated. Just driving through I used to see birds in fields from my truck all the time. These days it is the exception. When the numbers thin out, the public land really sucks because every tom you see has been pressured. At these times it sure pays to have private lined up.

After my crappy trip I checked out Iowa and looks like they want $102 plus $52 point fee for $154 for one bird. Forget that. Think I'll try Wisconsin next spring if I hunt outside Illinois.