While I have not hunted out west (have flown over it in a plane), eastern pine thickets can be thousands of acres in size. And the area I hunt has maybe 3 or 4 good spots out of the 600 or so acres. Judging by the view I got through the air, the deer tend to be concentrated in the smaller area of cover that is typical of the river bottoms I flew over.

I met him twice at Bowhunter's warehouse bow festival back in the early 90's. He was a good speaker and was very friendly at his booth where I spent the majority of my day! My wife bought me "Life at Full Draw" and "Super Slam" for Christmas this year. Both are great!