I’ve heard all the horror stories about public land hunting I know during bow season it’s pretty dead, I went for the first time a couple of weekends ago and didn’t see anyone else but now with rifle season opening up I expect that to change. So how bad is it really? I thought about going to some of the areas that are archery only there’s one that’s about 30 to 35 minutes from my house but is it really worth it or should I just stick with the Talladega national Forest? My work schedule really limits my time to spend hunting so would like to stay as close as possible to home in Centreville.

I've hunted the TNF for 15 years. You'll see and kill some deer but don't expect to see wall hangers. If you know where to go it's not too crowded.

I’m not worried about wall hangers at this point, I just don’t want to get shot lol. It was bad enough that I lost the lease that butted up against my small amount of property, but they destroyed about 400-500 acres of deer habitat, and the deer population is the lowest I’ve ever seen it so looks like public land may be my only recourse.

It’s not to bad, bow hunts pretty laid back honestly. Weekend gun hunts in the two I hunt, it gets little packed but not crazy bad. Now it’ll piss you off just a little when someone is parked at the gate you wanted to park at. I’d suggest having multiple spots to go to in case the first few already have someone there. Sometimes it don’t matter how early you get there, a truck is already there. So it’s plan B, C and so on. Make sure to get a mobile hunting app. I use Onx the most but there are others. Scout from home when you can. Look at drainages, saddles, pinch points and anything else you think may hold deer. Mark it on the map and go scout it. You’ll be good

Don't listen to the fear mongering. I've hunted some of the "most popular" WMA's in the state for 25 years. I can count on one hand how many times I've had someone walk in on me.

My most frustrating fact is that I do not know the location of other hunters. It bothers me less to have someone stumble upon me than when I mess up someone else. Hate that part but it is going to happen. I will say this about most public land - there is less pressure on the deer than in a lot of hunting clubs. We have a great club and kill some really nice deer. However, someone is in every stand almost daily (paying no attention to the wind). Plus, there is the constant movement around the property going to/from stands, attending feeders and cameras, scouting, etc. My point is that you should not think public land deer see more pressure than 85% of the clubs in Alabama.

Do you know how to parallel park? 🤣

Thanks everyone you’ve given me some hope😄

That last sentence is pretty dang accurate.

I’ve said this for a long time but nobody wants to hear it. We have to maintain the Daniel Boone status of guys who can kill deer on public land consistently for some reason.