What Woody said it true in just about every way. I hunt public land in Arkansas and usually travel several to 10 miles into the woods. I dont hunt where others hunt. I spend a lot of time in the off season finding spots that others have never even seen. That is where the big bucks are. In a place that has a huge amount of pressure on it, you will almost never see a mature buck because they often go nocturnal at the first sight of a human. However when you are in their living room, they tend to be less cautious. It takes a lot of time and patience to hunt public land. It can be very frustrating because of all the Jack-Monkeys out there that just dont know diddly squat about hunting. They have every right you do to be there. That is why I hunt deep into the woods. It takes a different mentality and a willingness to stay in the woods all day.
This past weekend ML opened again up here in Ark. The rut is over, but of course I am still looking for BullWinkle. I found him and his family as well. I did not get a shot, but that does mean I wont be able to set up on him next year or over the holidays. I am in the process of hauling a stand out to his area and believe me brother that is some work. It takes dedication to hunt like that. I had the best hunt I have ever had this past weekend and never even got a shot off. I was able to stalk up on dozens of deer ( I saw literally 50 plus deer over two days). No shooters for me unfortunately. I am not hauling an immature 8 of the woods, when I am several miles in. Not a chance. For the big boy, I will quarter him and take the head with me right there in the field ( I bought a backpack and lined it just for that purpose). There is no other way to get there, other than by foot.
Good luck and have patience. Due dilligence pays off, and besides to me it is more fun to get into thier environment than to just hunt a field or a powerline. It will really help your woodcraft as well. Good Hunting.