I buy a Sportsman's license every year for $50, it allows me to hunt 1.3 million acres in the state. There is 250,000 acres within 30 miles of my house. I've hunted public land successfully for 20+ years. With all that said, I still join a club every year for a variety of reasons. Being able to hunt on Sunday, controlling access by other hunters, setting up a QDM program. etc...
The are very distinct differences between the various regions within the country regards to lease land availability/public land availability and the qaulity of the hunt found on the same lands. You might say that one shoe doesn't fit all.
In the Southeast leased lands are very common and are definately not "overrated and a waste of money". Nothing personal drache, but your comment shows a very narrow view of the status of hunting within the country, it may be appropriate for where you live but you are participating on a board that extends beyond your region. I understand that it is just your opinion and as such we are all entitled to our opinions but we've got to start looking at the bigger picture and that would be that in some regions of the country deer leases are not only appropriate but quite possibly the only option available.
Ansel, leased land can be found in my neck of the woods for as low as $5-$6 per acre but the average for good land is between $10-$15 per acre with some going as high as $20.
Most clubs can be joined for $400-$500 per year, the club I'm in costs me $800 a year. Some of the more exclusive clubs/plantations can cost several thousand dollars.( I don't hate a deer that bad )

Mark