I hunt purely public lands down here in Oregon. Due to the fact that age is limiting the distance I hunt, and also by luck and a limited amount of time that I had to hunt one day, I stepped off the road on to a piece of hunting grnd. that was so obvious that it became non-obvious. And it worked!! Other hunters were just driving by this small canyon and not giving it any consideration. Now, that piece may be rugged and rough, but so much the better. Deer and elk will figure that out, that is , hunters aren't bothering this small piece of real estate, and move in to the area. If it has a water source, browse is available, and no one is bothering them. It's worked well for me. I have 3 or 4 small timbered canyons I rely on and have never once had to deal with other hunters invading my space. A lot of patience is required, but find the water source, the trails leading in and out, take a stand and laugh to yourself as you listen to all the other traffic going by, and your set up in a mere 15 to 20 minutes from your rig! Start exploring now and give it a try. You only need a couple of bucks or bulls to claim the area, and they are out there! :tup:Bull