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!)