I hunt for the hunt, if I get a big buck it is a bonus, I have always been able (so far) to get permission to hunt private property. One mistake a lot of folks make is looking for 100+ acre places to hunt. I ask permission on properties as small as 5 acres, the place I killed my buck this year was only 12 acres. Deer have no concept of private or public property and they cross, eat, and bed on all property. Get out and do some polite door knocking, you will be surprised. I agree that if you want a trophy buck, the easiest way to get one is pay for it, but you can still get one by doing some door knocking also. You can as mentioned lease or join a club, this will increase your odds without spending a fortune.

The Tazman