I agree with most of what you said here JB.

But that thing about landowners never being approached EVER to hunt ANYTHING? I'm calling BS. Nothing against you... but that's a crock. I believe the DNR's info on that about as much as I do the harvest numbers. After all, how in the world would you go about gathering THAT info accurately?
I've also said many times, it's EASY to get permission by simply knocking on doors. It's EASY. But if a landowner these days is willing to let a stranger hunt who knocks on his door, odds are they will let ANYBODY and EVERYBODY hunt that knocks on their door. I've been there done that and bought the T-Shirt. Get permission by knocking on doors and odds are great, that you'll be sharing that land with "joe six pack."

You yourself helped me several years ago by hooking me up with a landowner through the hunters helping farmers program. I was SO EXCITED after I talked to the guy. Drove down there(over 2 hrs) with my son to meet him... some guy who's been hunting on him for several years threw an absolute FIT right there in front of My son and I because that guy was granting me permission to hunt. It was incredibly awkward. I told the man thanks, but I don't need that crap in my life. That other guy was all but making threats to us in the event we messed up his hunting.

I'm still grateful that you took the time to help me. And what happened is in no way a reflection on you.
But that event coupled with several other attempts through family and friends to gain access and be harrassed by other hunters... I'll pass.
I'll hunt public land, or maybe someday I'll break down and lease.