I too hunt on public land. Last year I purchased the Cobra xls. That was the best "harvest" of the year. I found that the mobility on public land is vital. Especially if you are not overly familiar. I have hunted the same spot for 3 years and every year I find new and better spots. Now I have the ability to move and change with the deer patterns. I bow hunt and gun hunt from the stand. Not once did I ever feel unsafe, especially with the safety harness that is inculded with the stand. I did however, find that packing the stand was at times noisy. More so when pulling the two pieces apart from the packed possition. The cable system is also some what difficult to manipulate in the total darkness. Overall, I would have to say with your hunting situation, one of these many stands mentioned will be your best bet.

Happy hunting,
loanstarhunter