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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: aim small...release on January 23, 2015, 09:57:00 AM

Title: Public Land Bucks
Post by: aim small...release on January 23, 2015, 09:57:00 AM
It seems now days everyone feels the that to kill large bucks you must own private land and pay top dollar to be able to hunt. Big whitetails. I myself am starting to believe it as. Well.  Anyone have any public Land bucks kill. Photos
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: shreffler on January 23, 2015, 10:05:00 AM
I don't have any pictures at the moment, but where I live there is more public land than you could probably hunt in a lifetime and not very many people out there to hunt it (especially during archery season), I know tons and tons and tons of people who have killed absolute monsters on public land.

In my area the biggest bucks come off of public land - perks of living in the center of 500,000 acres of public stuff and only having a population of 8,000 people.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: aim small...release on January 23, 2015, 10:26:00 AM
Wow that would be incredible
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Orion on January 23, 2015, 10:30:00 AM
Guess it depends on where the public land is and how much of it there is.  I'm blessed to have thousands of acres of public land surrounding my land.  Hunting pressure is fairly low.  I hunt public land more than my own, and shoot more bucks on public land than I do on my own.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: gringol on January 23, 2015, 10:37:00 AM
Not all public land is created equal.  in south and central FL most of the quality habitat is privately owned.  There may be  big bucks out there, but the density mat just be very low.  I've seen one absolutely monster on public land here in FL, but I've never been able to take one with trad gear.  Mostly I see does and very young bucks...
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Cwilder on January 23, 2015, 10:57:00 AM
I have access to great public land here in Maryland. I can not post any photos of deer I have taken since all my nice ones have not been with traditional gear.
Every year the two places I hunt a few 170, 160, 150 and down deer are taken
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Vesty on January 23, 2015, 11:03:00 AM
Not so. There are absolute brutes roaming the wilds of Michigan's U.P. On thousands of acres of flat out public land. We are spoiled in Michigan and I love it! Our brothers in Wisconsin and Minnesota have the same blessing.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Chad Orde on January 23, 2015, 11:10:00 AM
Same thing in Iowa and Illinois I have killed p&ys to booners on public land and seen allot I couldnt connect with.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: TxRuckus on January 23, 2015, 12:18:00 PM
I envy you guys in states that have placed an emphasis on dedicated public lands. Here in Texas you must have access to private land if you plan on harvesting anything regardless of quality. This is especially true in the southern parts of the state. I've hunted a bit of the south eastern national forests we have (Sam Houston and Davey Crockett NF) but found them to be over crowded even during archery season and access beyond the established deer camps sketchy at best.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: stack on January 23, 2015, 03:42:00 PM
IMO I think the bucks on public land in southern and the northern lower of Mi unscrew their horns in Sept hide them in a stump and don't put them back on till January. LOL
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Jerry Jeffer on January 23, 2015, 04:59:00 PM
There are pics of public land monsters circulating here. I'm sure you'll see. It is way harder to get one on public land because of pressure, but they are there.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: KSdan on January 23, 2015, 06:32:00 PM
"Public land" is not the same everywhere.  I grew up in MI- hunted serious there and even as a NR this past fall and other years.  Honestly- to harvest a mature buck on public ground in MI (let alone see one)is either like winning the lottery or you would have to about sell your soul. Once you hunt another Midwest state you would immediately recognize the almost ridiculous comparison.  Give up worrying about mature deer on public ground in MI and enjoy hunting.  A forky/doe there is equivalent to a mature deer in many other states.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: jsweka on January 23, 2015, 07:00:00 PM
Not a mid west monster, but a decent one for public land in PA and my biggest to date.  Killed in 2013.

 (http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/jsweka/Hunting2013/1108130950.jpg)
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Jayrod on January 23, 2015, 07:14:00 PM
Nice buck John looks like my buck I harvested this year
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on January 23, 2015, 07:23:00 PM
I saw the same 115" +/- buck 3 times this year on public land here in NY.  almost had him in bow range bot a hot doe was better than a fight.

A buck that size isn't too bad for around these parts
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Sawpilot 75 on January 23, 2015, 10:11:00 PM
I have hunted public for years in Maine, Pa, WVA and Ohio. I have killed some good ones and seen giants. I missed a 160 class this year on public. I find if you take the time to scout and get away from people you will find them.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: aim small...release on January 24, 2015, 10:09:00 AM
I agree with KS DAN public Land in Michigan is ridiculous a 4pt or a broken up 7pt is a good buck here. Even though I've gotten wind lately (not on here)  that out of state hunters aren't to welcome in ohio I'm heading by on the conesville coal land this spring for a scout and then back in the fall for a rut hunt.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: bowzonly on January 25, 2015, 04:30:00 PM
I almost have to laugh when some people talk about crowded public land.  It can't be any worse than NJ. I live in the most densely populate corridor of the most densely populated state in the nation. It is one of the smallest states yet has one of the highest ratio of bowhunters.  Half the deer killed in this state every year are taken by bowhunters. Baiting and crossbows are allowed. I don't even go on weekends yet four out of five of my hunts are interrupted by other hunters walking under my stand (many during prime hours).  You cant hunt anywhere were there is not a road within a couple miles so there is no way to get away from the crowds.  I am seriously considering not even buying my license this year and just hunting out of state. First, now that my kids are grown I will check out some of the larger tracks of public land  in the northern part of the state.  I don't even care about trophy deer.  I just want to see more game than people.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: bowtough on January 25, 2015, 06:01:00 PM
Buck on my avatar was killed on public ground 167". Public ground rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just get back and away from parking areas.    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: fivebears on January 25, 2015, 06:56:00 PM
(http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l556/nekretrac/ed883abc187626ebf8c73b828a62f7e3.jpg)Fortunate enough to take this buck on public land this year. Don't have access to any private land so public land is where I spend my time. We have some decent bucks you just don't see them a lot
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: jt85 on January 25, 2015, 06:57:00 PM
fivebears that's a good one
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Keb on January 25, 2015, 09:48:00 PM
That's a hog!!

i have had nothing but great hunts on public land

My standards actually went up on public lands once I found the right areas and learned how to hunt them properly on public lands.

My best stickbow public buck is 153".
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: KyRidgeRunner on January 25, 2015, 10:16:00 PM
Wow fivebears!  That's a stud!
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Basinboy on January 26, 2015, 07:33:00 AM
I've had success on public land. No big ones in my home state yet.
  (http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f205/BasinHunter/79f3d94a.jpg) (http://s48.photobucket.com/user/BasinHunter/media/79f3d94a.jpg.html)

  (http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f205/BasinHunter/4c0e152b.jpg) (http://s48.photobucket.com/user/BasinHunter/media/4c0e152b.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Manitoba Stickflinger on January 26, 2015, 08:45:00 AM
 (http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/ryanderlago/P1030008_zps111b2351.jpg) (http://s645.photobucket.com/user/ryanderlago/media/P1030008_zps111b2351.jpg.html)

Public land up here isn't like what most hunters deal with. Only seen 2 hunters in 8 years.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Manitoba Stickflinger on January 26, 2015, 08:46:00 AM
 (http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/ryanderlago/ryanBuck2010009.jpg) (http://s645.photobucket.com/user/ryanderlago/media/ryanBuck2010009.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: aim small...release on January 26, 2015, 09:15:00 AM
Great deer guys. Looks like I may have to put some miles on this spring
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Longbow58 on January 26, 2015, 10:01:00 AM
This part of Pa. gets hammered with hunters but...you just have to put a good pair of boots on and get back off the roads to get a chance at a good one. 115-120" is a good public land buck for these parts.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Herdbull on January 26, 2015, 10:08:00 PM
 (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff289/MittenM/hero/11-27-2007-01.jpg) (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/MittenM/media/hero/11-27-2007-01.jpg.html)

  (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff289/MittenM/hero/11-27-2007-19.jpg) (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/MittenM/media/hero/11-27-2007-19.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: RC on January 26, 2015, 10:20:00 PM
I killed this 10 pt on south Ga. public land this year. RC

  (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w39/rcswampbucket/IMG_0807_zps15b4c783.jpg) (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/rcswampbucket/media/IMG_0807_zps15b4c783.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Homey88 on January 27, 2015, 09:24:00 AM
Wow! Some unbelievable deer on here! Nice job guys!
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Bobtulowiecki on January 27, 2015, 11:47:00 AM
Gorgeous deer Gentlemen! I have been fortunate to hunt several small private parcels around me but there is just something about public land that fires me up.  Although its been a challenge, its nice to put in the work scouting and fitting together the pieces of the puzzle .  A huge reason for me to make the switch from the wheels to traditional was the idea of accessing deep spots on public land carry lightweight, simple equipment. Hoping the work pays off this fall- its going to be a fun ride
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Nathan Killen on January 27, 2015, 06:15:00 PM
Wv and Va public land.  (http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j471/BBSK184/039.jpg) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/user/BBSK184/media/039.jpg.html)   (http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j471/BBSK184/005.jpg) (http://s1087.photobucket.com/user/BBSK184/media/005.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: KellyG on January 27, 2015, 10:47:00 PM
My 2011 public buck

  (http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e383/gillk/IMG_3345.jpg) (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/gillk/media/IMG_3345.jpg.html)  

Although I did not get any this year I did see 12 that were in the 150 class. And had some great encounters with at least 4 of them of 30-40yrd. I only shoot 20 so they were safe. I have a friend who go another 150 class deer on public also this year.

So ya they are there.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: aim small...release on January 28, 2015, 08:36:00 PM
Great bucks guys that one just above my post is a dandy
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Cootling on January 28, 2015, 09:41:00 PM
My 2014 public-land rifle-season buck.

  (http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag19/cootling1/IMG_6590_zps77f4e883.png) (http://s1296.photobucket.com/user/cootling1/media/IMG_6590_zps77f4e883.png.html)

  (http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag19/cootling1/IMG_6629%20-%20Version%203%201_zpsdooqsz03.png) (http://s1296.photobucket.com/user/cootling1/media/IMG_6629%20-%20Version%203%201_zpsdooqsz03.png.html)
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: KyStickbow on January 28, 2015, 10:11:00 PM
Dang guys....I have never hunted public land but I wouldnt hesitate to do so after seeing some of these pics. Some dandies!!
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: babs on January 29, 2015, 12:57:00 AM
 (http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad221/bradleyb27/Mobile%20Uploads/2012-12/20121208_120541_zpslktd23ur.jpg) (http://s938.photobucket.com/user/bradleyb27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2012-12/20121208_120541_zpslktd23ur.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: babs on January 29, 2015, 12:59:00 AM
 (http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad221/bradleyb27/Mobile%20Uploads/2012-07/1107001417_zpspg63gdgm.jpg) (http://s938.photobucket.com/user/bradleyb27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2012-07/1107001417_zpspg63gdgm.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: babs on January 29, 2015, 01:00:00 AM
 (http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad221/bradleyb27/Mobile%20Uploads/2013-10/20131005_174031_zpsgsocxiy7.jpg) (http://s938.photobucket.com/user/bradleyb27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2013-10/20131005_174031_zpsgsocxiy7.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: babs on January 29, 2015, 01:04:00 AM
These are just some of the bucks me and my brother shot on public land here in PA. I didnt connect this year but i was close had a few shooters close by but couldnt get them to come in the last ten yards or so. Maybe next year and they should be a little bigger if they make it through this cold winter.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Homey88 on January 29, 2015, 09:02:00 AM
Great deer babs!  :clapper:
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: wooddamon1 on January 29, 2015, 09:33:00 AM
Great deer, guys. The public spots near camp were dead this past season, 40 miles or so north of home here in west MI. I usually have a couple encounters with bucks using scents during early November.

 30 miles or so east on private and 8-10 deer sighted every hunt, with 4 different decent bucks. All of whom were too smart for me, unfortunately. I'll have them figured out for this next season hopefully.

Still gonna hit the public around camp of course, the challenge there is fun. Every deer I've killed has come from public so far, no big guys, though...
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: TGbow on January 29, 2015, 01:35:00 PM
Depends on where the land is. I have 2 big WMA that I hunt, one the deer don't move very much during the daylight. The other, I see deer just about every  hunt.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Paul Cousineau on January 29, 2015, 08:25:00 PM
Nice bucks guys!
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Cwilder on January 29, 2015, 09:36:00 PM
Great bucks fellas
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Owlgrowler on February 01, 2015, 02:14:00 PM
Here's a couple NJ public land bucks

  (http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Owlgrowler/038.jpg) (http://s195.photobucket.com/user/Owlgrowler/media/038.jpg.html)

  (http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Owlgrowler/IMGP0234-2.jpg) (http://s195.photobucket.com/user/Owlgrowler/media/IMGP0234-2.jpg.html)

  (http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Owlgrowler/Mountainbuck07002.jpg) (http://s195.photobucket.com/user/Owlgrowler/media/Mountainbuck07002.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: snakebit40 on February 01, 2015, 03:19:00 PM
Not a whitetail but he is a public land buck I shot this last season.

   (http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k567/snakebit40/IMG_04481.jpg) (http://s1116.photobucket.com/user/snakebit40/media/IMG_04481.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: Wannabe1 on February 01, 2015, 03:27:00 PM
Man this thread just makes me hungry! Not just for hunting season either!   :biglaugh:

Great pics folks, keep them coming.
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: aim small...release on February 01, 2015, 10:38:00 PM
Wow what a mulie!!!
Title: Re: Public Land Bucks
Post by: KellyG on February 01, 2015, 10:49:00 PM
Man snakebit that is one thing I never did was go to western KS to hunt them. I looked over the public hunting atlas a few time but never seemed to make a plan. If I come back you better bet I am headed out west for a chance at one of those boys.