It is encouraging to hear that the public land isn't a waste of time.
Around our area, I'd have to say most is. Atleast what I've experienced. Pheasant and duck hunters pretty much pound the s*** out of stuff, so that gives you either early season hunting or later season hunting. On some though, once opener is done you only have the die hard guys and occasionally a few yuppy guys out there chasing their dogs around like idiots. I wish I had enough land to invite you with, but my private land is falling faster than the Titanic. I might be asking you for hints on good land here soon.
I would look into that Louisville Swamp though. If you want until the off season, a buddy of mine who has hunted it quite a bit and myself will be going out there to scout around. I'm thinking about hunting it next season. You could come along I'm sure.