I've only hunted public land a handful of times, and I know it's no easy task taking one of those birds. On the other hand I hunt regularly with guys that pay big money to join clubs and don't think for a second that your going to get on birds that haven't been pressured! I think my stance in this argument is that I don't think the birds are any harder no matter where you hunt, but having so many hunters in a area your hunting (public land) can create a challenge that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with your hunting or woodsman ship skills. Other hunters bumping birds or trying to cut you off isn't safe and isn't for me. To all of you smoking longbeards on public land I tip my hat, but don't think I'm hunting yard birds on my lease! Haha!
Good luck to every one this spring, and hunt safe!