load ratings/number of plys and the benfits

I got some new wheels for Christmas and now in the market for some tires... trying to narrow down the choices and price range but have found a number of different tires with different load ratings or a greater number of plys. I have read all of the stickied articles in the forum and I understand the differences but trying to see if there is a benefit to me for the higher price to pay for them... most of driving is on the pavement with the exception of hunting season when it goes off road, but even then nothing extreme so a hardcore mud tire is not needed.... I have been looking at cooper discover A/t's and the general grabbers and similar tires as well as the high end mickey thompson's and dick cepek fun country just because I like the look of the tire...

So I need some help here and some input from your experiences...