I hunt only public land, and have seen many respectable (even awesome) deer coming from public land this season (mostly walk in areas). Start by remote scouting with google earth. You can easily see things like topography, crops, forested vs. open areas, water sources. But you can also look at things like color and texture to sort out properties that have a diverse herbaceous plant community, and thus better habitat ( especially for mule deer). Then field truth if possible. Drive out there and look at it. Even hunt it during archery, dove or grouse season to get a feel for the habitat and early season scouting. Is it grazed down or lightly grazed? Are there thick coverts like cedar, tall grasses and weeds, or shrub thickets where deer can hide during heavy pressure? Are there food sources close by? Are the water holes wet or dry? How accessible is the property to other hunters? Are there trails, rubs, scat? Hunt it early. Go during archery season if possible; there is very little pressure and many more bucks. Or hunt it late during muzzleloader. The best public spots won’t be secrets. If you are rifle hunting, get there early and stake out your spot. Leave your agenda/map on your dash so others can see it. Hunters are responsible for policing themselves, and there will be multiple parties hunting a property on rifle opener, despite the size. Then go further than others are willing, and stay longer. You would be amazed how many people just drive by, or get out and walk a hundred yards, then leave (and some even shoot deer this way!). And, go back. If there is good habitat on a property, that is where deer want to be. When pressure resides, they will come back. Sometimes immediately. If you can park/access/hunt the property in a different way than most hunters, this may also help.
With deer yarding up for the winter, this will make it more difficult to find deer on public land. This year, however, has several advantages. Mild weather and no snow means deer are in smaller groups and more spread out. Most food sources are still available which allows them to be mobile. Also, there will be a late spike in the rut, and bigger bucks will want to be on their own with does or cruising for does. Also, most deer feel secure since rifle season is over, and move more actively during daylight. If you find some, you know big bucks won’t be too far away.
"The sweetest hunts are stolen. To steal a hunt, either go far into the wilderness where no one has ever been, or else find some undiscovered place under everybody’s nose."
-Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac
