Even on private land, if it’s hunted at all, the bigger bulls will be off in some out of the way place. I’ve killed big bulls as early as October 2 that had already pulled themselves off the cows and gone solo. If it’s late season and you are hunting for a big bull and you are seeing cows, probably in the wrong spot. Doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a long ways away, might just be a little pocket somewhere.
They usually timber up all day and may come out into small clearings or even just more open stands of trees. Warm weather and a full moon make that even worse.
If you can going with a quality outfitter would be a good plan.
Very good advice here for the OP.
