mallard, I've been hunting Iowa public as a NR for almost 30 years. Pressure has gradually gotten worse over that time, but very gradually. This is due to the NR quotas & splitting the state into units, neither of which Illinois does. That is why our public sucks. The increases in Iowa over that time has come exclusively by residents, obviously. I'm sure because of all the hunting TV shows and pub. But the biggest game changer has been the improved technology. These days it seems there are no places that don't get discovered. Everyone uses Google Earth, GPS's, etc. and finds all the corners. So it's a must to have plan A, B, C, D, etc. spots marked to move if you run into someone. Also scout multiple areas and check the parking lots. Hunt where the lot is empty if you can find one. For as long as a NR has to wait these days for a tag, it's stupid not to invest a LOT of time scouting. I put in 6 days this year alone, but I already know a lot of spots.
