National forests, state wildlife management areas, national wildlife refuges and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands offer free or low-cost hunting opportunities within a short driving distance for many. "Typically, in a deer camp, you're going to rely on people who have hunted there before," said Chad Dacus, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks' Wildlife bureau director. Areas such as the Delta are well known for producing trophy bucks, but calls to land managers or researching Magnolia Records' registry of trophy bucks can help identify other areas that have a history of big deer. "[...] I would suggest going off the beaten path — far, far away from other hunters," Windham said. "Open Forest Service land may likely have different rules and regulations than lands managed (such) as a state (wildlife management area)," Whittington said. Weapons regulations can also vary from one public land to another, as can seasons, bag limits and safety requirements.