The downside to being a private landowner is that you are stuck with that same piece of land all the time, and if the herd in your area is down, so are your hunting opportunities. The great thing about public hunting land is that it is found throughout the state with every variety of terrain, meaning archers can vary the hunt throughout the season because they have open access to a broad spectrum of habitats.

Are trophy deer taken from public land? Definitely. Some trophies are taken by luck, but most are killed by hunters who work smarter and harder than most other hunters in the same area. Given the large number and variety of public lands around the state, an archer must narrow down the choices a bit.

The best way to do this is to acquire a map of the broader area to identify potential hunting locations. Maps can be found in a variety of locations, but it is tough to beat the free map resources found on the MDNR Web site under the "Recreation Compass" heading.

You can click on a map of the state and zoom in to whatever area you want. Once you've zoomed in far enough, public lands are labeled and you can click the map for detailed information. These maps often include specifics about the type of cover on individual sections of public land. Those who have Google Earth can match the boundaries of WMAs with information from detailed aerial photography, meaning a hunter can do a lot of scouting from the comforts of home.

For those who like paper maps, there are a number of atlases available at sporting goods retailers. The MDNR also publishes Public Recreation Information Maps that can be purchased directly from the MDNR or at sporting goods stores. These maps label county, state and federal lands, as well as the recreational opportunities available on those plots of land.

Real estate professionals can also be good resources because the plat maps they use for determining who owns a piece of property also include listings of publicly held lands. Plat maps can be purchased from county offices and are a valuable resource for figuring out the owner of that piece of private land you want to hunt.

Don't forget that state forests, game refuges, scientific and natural areas and many federal lands are also open to archery hunters. The 2009 hunting regulations booklet is a good place to consult to find out about the wide variety of opportunities available to archers.

HUNTING PRE-RUT BUCKS
Early-season bucks are some of the most challenging and frustrating animals to hunt, but September and early October are great times to get into the woods because the population is still at its pre-firearms season high and the woods are still relatively devoid of hunters.

With waterfowlers focusing on the fields and marshes, anglers hitting the hot fall bite and wingshooters of all types going after pheasants and grouse, archers usually have the woods to themselves. "All signs point to a great hunt for a healthy buck with a healthy rack, provided some basic concepts are kept in mind," Alfano said.

"Right now is still the early season for bowhunting, in my opinion, and this is the time to hunt food sources. Cut corn fields, alfalfa and biologic food plots are great places that attract big bucks trying to bulk up," he added.