Public land out west

[matchbook454]

I've been thinking about hunting public land out west in states such as KS, NE, SD, and possibly OK, and WY.  Coming from north central IL, I have a bit of skepticism.  In 2010 while gun hunting deer on public land (Goose lake Prairie/ Heideke lake), my partner was shot in the leg by another hunter.  Thankfully it just grazed him and he didn't even need to see a doctor and only needed a band aid.  Talk about lucky!  Anyway, besides crowding and safety concerns, I would like to know the quality of hunting that exists in some of these states on public land.  Don't worry, I'm not asking for specific areas, just what a guy can expect.  I know that good hunting can be had without an outfitter and even having to spend an extra couple of days to fill a tag isn't a bad thing (more time away from work!)

[jblackburn]

A little homework can pay off big in KS and OK.  My advice is to avoid the first weekend on public land like the plague in both states!  KS has a cool walk in program where landowners lease hunting to the state, so there are small to large pockets all over the state with birds.  Western OK has a lot of birds, and it is not uncommon to knock on a door and get permission where there are lot of birds.  Don't be surprised to hear "Kill all the D@mn things" in some areas the winter flocks can be destructive to crops and hay.

Good luck!

[hotrod3h]

Hunting public land in the west is far different than the east in my opinion. There's more space to roam around. I don't have a lot of experience hunting public land in the east. I have hunted public land in SD, NE, and NM. Been on birds in all those places. SD actually called in 3 birds in different areas in one morning before the situation was right and then it was 3 cobblers together. That was public but I had a local with great knowledge that helped me. No competition at that time in that area. NM is fabulous I believe. There is so much land to hunt almost unbelievable and the birds are there. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to NM in a heartbeat and actually look forward to it.

I would strongly recommend hunting public land out west. Best of luck. Any more questions ask and if I can help will try.

[matchbook454]

Thanks guys.  Going to be driving to OK and if I'm done early I might check out some wiha in KS on my way back.  Probably won't hunt due to time, but at least check out some areas for next year.

[ksgoosekillr]

cracks me up that people consider Kansas "west" lol 

we have a large population of birds and an even larger population of hunters. Some of the best turkey callers I have ever heard here in Kansas 
you have to put in some serious miles and footwork to locate birds on WIHA and when you do I will bet you the locals will be right there with you. however some of my favorite spots are WIHA wheat fields that border a private roost. if I was driving here from another state I would start at the public ground surrounding a reservoir and drive around in the evenings stopping and calling to locate a roost. be there in the am and close the distance.