Started hunting the public land the first four years, got to know some locals and now have become good friends. We now stay in a hunting cabin of one of the landowners. About half the baits are on private land now, but still bait reliable sites on public that always produce bear.
Found out real fast that if you hunt the public most baiters will be close to the road, couple hundred yards and are not above setting on top of you. Get a half mile in and you will pretty much be left to yourself, BUT it is a lot more work getting bait in and bear out.
My only complaint is that outfitters are allowed to bait and have clients hunt on public land, just seem wrong but it is what it is. Between State Land and Nature Conservancy Land there is 1000's of acres of public access land to hunt on.
Bowhunter_24, you are correct, bear hunting is very addicting, it is my favorite hunt of the year.