CamoCop

there is good public land deer here. you just have to put in more pre season work than most hunters are willing to do...

timbercruiser

Pick out a gal whose daddy owns one of the big ranches in the area and you will have it made.

bugsNbows

FYI, there is the Southern Sportsman Big Buck Expo this coming weekend (July 11-13) at the Lakeland Civic Center.

millerhunter13

hey camo is that over in rock springs? i tried pulling a permit there this year but didnt get any o well got toso. though.

CamoCop

yeah, it's Rock Springs

FLSwamphunter1

Hey Camo Thats the Buck that Jamie R killed right.

CamoCop

yup

oldelkhunter

Well I went to 3 areas within a 2 hour drive of my home at the time and I saw a lot of hunters during Gun Season and very few deer that were shootable , nothing that approached a quality experience. Now that was in the late 80's and early 90's. I went archery hunting at the Avon Park bombing range and saw way too many hunters, one hanging a treestand every 100 yards even though huge bucks are taken there I didn't see a solitary doe because of the hunting pressure.I am sure there are public land hunts there that are good as there are in other states and with a draw they are probably decent now.BTW I always scout preseason but on Public land the best laid plans often go awry as you must well know. In season scouting is the ticket for Public land either on the east or west coast.

CamoCop

you are correct. i have had months of scouting go to the curb because of other hunters come hunting season, however even though i get pissed, i keep in mind it is public land. i can not afford to join a lease or buy hunting property so i am forced to adapt and overcome on public land.

oldelkhunter

I did it on Public Land in NJ for many years and did well inspite of being on some heavily hunted property. Public land where I live now (NC) is pretty heavily hunted as well but I will be putting in for some draws this year and see what hits the fan.