Little bout me...
I, too, am a retired Chief! (USCG) and hunt approx 2500 acres of family land. 1500 of them are in a QDM program and have been for 6 years now. It has approx 70 acres of food plots mostly in the center of the property. Dove hunted there last weekend and seen several (5) 120 class boys. I know some bruisers are there. Another property is 600 acres and is my favorite! It is surrounded by 11000 acres of nonhunted hardwoods and this property has the only fields in the area. Last year I arrowed a 145" and 8 doe there. (with tags, Va has an unlimited doe bag limit) I usually bring my camper there and stay for a week at a time in total hunt mode!
Season starts Oct 6th, but I usually wait until cooler weather sets in...we'll see! Good luck to all and let's make it a productive season!