Where to go? Does it exist???

[Mike Vines]

Alright guys, here is my question, and quite possibly there might not be an answer...

I lost my hunting lease 5 years ago, and have had to hunt public ground here in South Eastern Michigan, and i can honestly say that I hate it.  I found and have hunted some very respectable deer, but so have countless others who obviously don't have a clue about proper hunting etiquette, let alone preseason scouting and basic hunting do's and dont's. I'm not saying I'm going to quit hunting Michigan, but if I'm going to spend 5 hrs driving one way for a weekend hunt, I might as well drive 20 hrs for a 1-2 week hunt.  Is there any place you guys could recommend I go to to enjoy some other "Fair Chase" unoutfitted (read that as a DIY hunt) from Michigan to Montana and south down to Florida/Tex  I'm wanting to get away from the masses of people that inhabit Public Land around here and at the same time experience what some NON DRAW hunts are like (prefer an over-the-counter tag vs entry and draw type tags.  I'm not, nor do I see myself ever being a trophy hunter.  I couldn't be any happier getting a chance at a flat top.

Just a few months ago, I excaped to Kauai, Hawaii for a mountain hunt (the story can be found here    http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=119858  That hunt will not be on the list for next year, but I would love to do it again.

Does such a place exist?  If so, would you please let me know, either here or thru PM if you don't want to share it publicly.

[Onestringer]

Mike, your welcome in MO.  Cheap over the counter tags...and if someone one points you in a good direction for a fun hunt, I can always split gas money.

[TxAg]

The public hunting in TX stinks. I feel your pain.

[Pat B.]

Try to lease some privately owned property close to home, if that option exists..

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Montana has raised the prices on their non resident tags to the point where I cannot really suggest it as a viable option. Colorado has a lot of country and a lot of elk. It may get too much hunting pressure for your liking but I wouldn't know.

[Mike Vines]

Originally posted by Onestringer:
Mike, your welcome in MO.  Cheap over the counter tags...and if someone one points you in a good direction for a fun hunt, I can always split gas money.

That was the best hunting I have ever experienced Scott.  Thank you for bringing me into the lease way back when.  I will deffinately let you know what I decide, and would enjoy sharing camp with you again.

[Orion]

Should be able to find good bow hunting and not a lot of people on public land in the Upper Peninsula.  May be a far drive for you though.

If you choose to go West, be sure to do your homework.  I have been disappointed in my most recent Western hunts -- Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado.  All were overrun with hunters, many on 4 wheelers.  The next time I go, I'll be looking for wilderness areas or those that you have to access on foot.

[cahaba]

Alabama has some great public land deer hunting and if a scheduled gun hunt isn't on you rarely see another vehicle. They also have some land that is bowhunt only. Cahaba River Wildlife Refuge is a bowhunt only area and get's very little pressure. It has some big bucks on it too.

[gringol]

I'd be interested in teaming up on the Cahaba River.  Looks like a cool area.

[refugerambler]

Wheeler Refuge here in Decatur is the same way, bowhunting only except a two week flintlock season. Lotsa deer on it.

[ChuckC]

The Wheeler and Cahaba sites. .  are there hogs there also ?  A reasonable chance at seeing some ?
ChuckC

[Mike Vines]

I appreciate all the PM's guys, and I will be looking into all of them real closely.

[gnihsifnamk]

I know it isn't west or south but up here in the Adirondacks there are very few bowhunters and 1000's of acres of public land. You can head out for weeks and never see another person. There are deer but they are hard to find/pattern.

I have private land to hunt in Iowa, that comes with some doe tags from the farmer. the problem is that there are others who hunt the same ground, they all call themselves trophy hunters. Every evening four or five of them, that are not hunting that day, circle the field edges of the entire farm right at or a bit after sundown. Of course, this alerts all of the deer making it impossible for those of us that are hunting to get anything. A territorial animal thing I believe, they figure if they are not going to shoot the big one, no one else can either. To get away from the harassment, I moved to public land and let the game warden handle the ethics of those that I shared the private land.  A couple of them survived his scrutiny with no violations thus far, but he is working on it.

[Olin Rindal]

Here’s  something a little different. Maybe try Alaska for a year or two. POW and Kodiak would be my choice. POW would be the top choice only because you can do a hunt there cheaper than Kodiak and they received less of a winter kill than Kodiak last year. Kodiak is more open and easier to spot deer but you pretty much need to fly out to more remote country to find better deer hunting $$. There is more public land than you could ever explore in your life time. Not many  bow hunters but there are a few rifle hunters. There is so much land and so many roads on POW that I never saw another hunter in the week I was on the island last month. Truly a great experience. You should try it once you will love it.
Olin

[2treks]

Lets do it Mike!
I got ideas and spots.
SteveO can come to.
Talk soon,
CTT

[centaur]

If I had the bucks, I would do SE Alaska. Lots of deer, lots of black bears, lots of public land, and lots of adventure. The spendy part is getting there and arranging a drop in, but what a place. Even if you can't afford to hunt, everyone who loves wild places has to have the Great Land on their bucket list. You won't regret it.

[bawana bowman]

Mike,
Remember your more than welcome to a Florida adventure. Just give me some dates and I'll arrange something, Hogs anytime, deer if possible.
I'm still working on trying to scare some geese with you!

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Ohio, I know guys who have killed deer and had great opportunities on Public land. Not to mention its much closer.  

I am currently drawing a blank on the property but can get it for you if you want, just PM me.

[Bud B.]

Mike,

I haven't forgotten you but have been busy. Will call soon.

Next year you can come down here opening weekend if you want and hunt the 21 acres to which I have access. As long as my permission doesn't get revoked you're welcome anytime but we need to plan in advance. It's small acreage but deer are there.

Bud

336-402-3833