Thanks everyone for all the great advice! It has really got me thinking. I do have a couple of follow-up questions/thoughts:

1. Any specific books, magazines or DVDs that I should definitely add to my Christmas list? I already have a subscription to Deer and Deer Hunting and have the books Bowhunting Forests & Deep Woods by Greg Miller (read it 4 or 5 years ago but am going to retread it) and Grow 'Em Right by Neil and Craig Dougherty (probably isn't that pertinent to my current situation).

2. I took a look at licenses in Iowa but they seem extremely expensive (over $500 total) but my wife has family in Kansas City (haven't looked at the price for their license).

3. Where we hunt in Wisconsin there is a lot of public land. The land is along the Wisconsin/Michigan border near Boulder Junction. There are literally thousands of acres that three of us hunt that are both private and public and we see no other hunters. The deer are very mobile and move from year to year. A couple of years ago I hunted about a half mile back on public land and saw over 15 deer over the course of four days (I end up shooting a doe and 4 point buck). This year I sat in the same spot for two days and didn't see a deer the whole time. We figured out the deer were staying close to the houses where they were being fed and I ended up shooting a doe right across from our summer house on private land after sitting for an hour.

4. I definitely think I need to invest in a couple of cameras. Any suggestions on how many, brand features, and model? I don't think it will be wise if I spend too much on them as there is the chance they might be stolen. I know my Dad has an old one that he puts out in Wisconsin but it always seems to take blank pictures. Any other tips on putting them out on public land? I'm assuming February through August would be good times as there won't be as much human activity.

5. I am thinking about buying a climbing stick and hang on stand or trees saddle but I'm always worried about weight. I hate getting all sweaty hiking in and I always end up that way with my climber. Plus it seems so difficult and loud getting it set up. Also, it looks to me like the tree saddle wouldn't be very comfortable sitting in for long periods of time. I like hunting in a blind (much more comforrtable) but I am always worried that big bucks that receive a lot of pressure are spooked by them.

6. Any suggestions on a middle weight jacket and coveralls that are warm, quiet, wind proof and waterproof?

7. One thing I failed to mention is that we have 20 acres near Iron River, MI (upper peninsula). Half of it is an old pasture and the other half wooded. We bought it as an investment and I have never hunted on it. Not sure if I should think about bow hunting on this but there is no house (would have to camp) and distance is an issue (6 hours away). I imagine I could plant food plot on it but it would be very difficult to keep them up due to the distance.

8. Any suggestions on how to find a lease for next year? Right now I'm thinking of putting an ad on craigslist (I've already tried this once), joining a hunting association or club (if I can find any in our area), placing ads in newspapers, and checking the county tax maps and contacting the owners. Am I missing anything?

9. When it comes to public land, the further away, the more options there are. I have state land about 15 minutes away but very few deer are taken and I never see any when I hunt there. There are areas 1 to 2 hours away that are better but the distance makes it more difficult to hunt and scout as often. Then there are prime areas in northwest and central Illinois.

10. I've already shot a doe this year so I have the rest of the bow season in Illinois to concentrate on hunting for a buck. I have two weeks off around Christmas and our season runs until the middle of January. Any suggestions on how should I proceed the remainder of the year? Should I be hunting really hard or starting to scout for next year while I hunt?

Thanks again for all the help. I'm learning as I go here and trying to think outside the box. All suggestions/help are greatly appreciated!