I use an Eberlestock Bandit for deer hunting. It's on the small side for a day pack and won't pack quarters, but it's just right for me. If I'm packing quarters, I'm going to take my climber, pack and weapon back to my vehicle and grab a bigger bag to pack quarters in. Hope you find something...
Paracord. I use it for pull up rope for getting weapon in deer stand. Made a tree loop to hang backpack and bow on tree. Made my gps lanyard with it. Replace loud metal zipper pulls with it. It's almost as handy as duct tape or WD-40, which are also cheap and versatile.
I never wore them growing up hunting. I didn't know they existed at that point. I wear them now and put them in a ziploc when finished and it makes things clean and easy.
I have a Garmin 64st. A lot cheaper than your $1k top end. I supplement with onx on my phone, but the handheld is truly waterproof, batteries can be replaced in the field, and is alot tougher than a phone and handier to kerp on a lanyard than a phone.
My suggestion would be a Garmin handeld...
I've never entered any of mine, but each to their own. If you do, it should be done for you alone. Deer hunting has turned into too much of a contest for alot of folks.
We should all be hunting for our own reasons, shooting deer we want to shoot as individuals (no matter how big or small as...
As stated above, IL public is hammered pretty good. I live in IL and only hunt public. There are lots of out of state plates at parking lots. Have a plan A, B, and C every day because you will need them at times. Good luck wherever you go.