I purchased 40 acres in November in between these 3 'cities'. I see tons and tons of deer but no big racks. I saw 6 bucks yestarday and all were spikes! Is that area known for small racks?

Because MN has their rifle hunting right during the peak of the rut. Most MN hunters cant pass that buck up, I would say that at least 75% of MN bucks never see their second birth day. Shoot a doe and let the little guy go. Then try talking your neighbors into it.

That is kinda how it is in Pine county where I hunt. Lots of dear, lots of spikes or 4 pointers, but the big guys don't show up too much. The big ones are out there, that we know for certain, but they are big because they are smart and only move at night. Get a couple trail cameras w/ mineral or salt licks.
We have got about 60 differentpics of a real nice 10 pointer the last 2 summers, but only 1 pic was during day light, and that was at 6:30 AM in July..
They are out there, just not as numerous as other areas.

Its a great area, I drive through there on my way to Mille Lacs Lake quite often. I have seen a handfull of decent bucks on the way, but I know there are alot of book bucks shot there.

Put out a trail cam and watch how many mature you catch but it'll be after dark unless you put out some type of "bait" to bring 'em close enough for a picture during the daylight hours.I live 10 minutes from Isle and in my opinion the DNR needs to go to a few seminars about herd management.This state is a joke as far as age structure and mature deer.But,that's just my opinion.