RE: This is the worst........
I did all the same things. I make it a point to clear my approach routes too. HOWEVER . . . some of the grasses regrew to a little above my rubber boot height. That was a bad thing because it was unavoidable and the big does headed my way got a whiff of it before coming into my "slam dunk" shooting lane and turned around before I got a good opportunity. Next year, roundup may make the trip with me!
Today's small bucks are tomorrow's trophies.