It would be a lot better to Hunt in an Archery Only Area simply because it will have less pressure and I think You'll have better luck in an Area like that, some Public Areas even plant food plots so You'll have something to draw the Deer in.Be sure to check out if the Public Land Is Doe or Buck Only or both!

You can also hunt the Firearm Area's I just wouldn't try it too close to the Rifle Season Opener....which is suppose to be on Nov 10 2012 this year.

Another thing You need to consider is most Mark Twain Conservation Land is set up for You to park and walk in which can and would be a pretty good distance,no screw-in steps allowed and any climbers, hang-on stands or ladder stands need to have your name and phone number on it I believe?

The key to hunting any Public Land is to go in deep where most Hunters are too lazy to go or drag a Deer out of.Hunt smart and try to stay scent-free.We usually dress light and carry our other layers of clothes in a back pack and finish dressing after cooling down and getting set up at our stand location.