My areas have been hit big by leasing the last few years.

Properties where farmers used to call me to come shoot doe are now locked up by leases. Can't blame the farmers, they should make as much money as they can .

But it's definitely changing the game around here. I've spent allot of time on public the past few years .

This year I'm trying a little different approach. I've gotten permission on a few SMALL properties. Stuff that is overlooked by the leases. One is 12 acres, one is 6.5 acres, and one I'm still waiting to hear back on is about 5 acres I believe.

For a still hunter like me who primarily loves to walk, this will require a chance of style . But I've got a 6 year old boy tagging along this year so a couple two man ladder stands seems like the way to go...

-Jake

Depends on part of the country. UP and lots of places in WI, just costs a tag. Much of WI you can't bait, so little expense there. In the areas with a mix of homes and farms it can be tough. I talked to a guy who said he doesn't hunt cause no where to go. Though I question how much effort. Its not as big a passion for everyone. But I also understand going to a new area cold is no fun at times, and can be a challenge. I tried it in lower UP and bumped into people. But I still got out.

Try West Virginia. there is land here that you can hunt for free. the southern 4 "bow only" counties been bow only since 1979 and have huge deer populations. I have a Hatfield McCoy trail riders house called "Trail 10 House" that we rent to trail riders and hunters. you can spend weeks here for what a day would cost in most places. absolutely beautiful forests, teeming with wildlife. and not another soul for miles. You get the holy grail, for the price of a dixie cup...