Public land hunting — tips
Hunt public land in MT because I can't afford a lease. Other hunters are the obstacle. This year trying going further from trailhead.
Public land hunters — what works for you?
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Get up earlier and hike further - that's really it. Most hunters are lazy and won't go more than a mile from the truck. I hunt public in West TX and the rule is simple: if you can see the parking area, you're not deep enough. Also check your maps for old ranch roads that might not be obvious.
Here in AK public land is everywhere but same principle applies. Get away from roads and ATVs. I use OnX to find areas that look tough to access - creek crossings, thick timber, etc. Most guys won't put in the work. Also hunt weird weather when others stay home.
For upland birds on public I focus on the nastiest cover nobody else wants to walk through. Thick brush, steep hillsides, swampy areas. Birds know where the pressure is too. And yeah... getting there before dawn helps a lot.
Interesting take. I went the other direction and picked up a Ruger MAX-9 instead. No regrets so far but ask me again in 6 months.
LOL I felt the same way. It gets better after a few weeks trust me.
Solid post. I've been thinking about the same thing lately. My S&W M&P Shield Plus has been my go-to but I'm always looking at other options.