Also from Minnesota trying to hunt Nebraska. Never have hunted too far out west. Eastern North Dakota is the farthest west I have hunted. Also trying to hunt Nebraska / Montana/ Utah. Send me a PM if interested in trying to set something up.
I am in the same boat OP. As a first timer I canceled out Idaho. Mostly because the terrain there is brutal. I am sticking to CO or MT with MT being my last choice as it's been stated a lot of the good units seem to be on private land.
Also, make sure you take weather into consideration. Most...
Definitely following this thread. Great to see other MN outdoorsman out getting after it. Usually always have extra room in the duck boat come fall. PM if you would ever like to go man. Keep it up!