"Pre-season" scouting is best done between February and April, with March being the best time. As someone else mentioned, you can find all the *old sign before the spring green-up, locate sheds, and find new hot-spots. Plus too, its so far from the season, it wont effect the deer at all. Scouting now through September is really too late, the woods are too thick, and the later you go, the more you educate the deer as to your presence. You should already know where to go, and prep stand sites in these warm-hot months. Stand prep has to be done quietly too though, dont just clamor through the woods like an ape. Do it stealthily, and be scent aware.

*old sign= Rubs, rub-lines, scrapes, beds, droppings, browse lines, shed antlers, etc,. Also look for trails, funnels, and fence/river crossings. Make note of any apple, acorn or persimmon trees, and any other food sources the deer may rely on during the hunting season.

Around the end of July or beginning of August, go spotting or just cruise the fields in late evening, trying to see how big the bucks are. You should be able to spot them feeding in bachelor groups, and it gives you an idea as to what bucks are shooters for you.

Most of all, work on your shooting in the late spring to fall. There isnt much else you should be doing for the upcoming season, unless you're trying to find new areas to hunt for the following year.

Good luck---Matt