If i were you i think that i would find two people on here, one from the north and one from the south, and "interview" them. Im from the north (WI) so i'll give you some info.

up here there is almost always snow during gun deer season. that means that if it drops below a certain temperature the deer will stop moving and you might have to still hunt. Usually im up in a tree stand though looking over a swamp or dense oak/pine forest. the shots i make are typically out to about 140 yards and i use a 30-06. the deer we hunt here are of course whitetail and a good sized buck will be about 180 pounds or so. i have yet to shoot one over 200. also, the growing season for deer plants is shorter than in the southso that affects what the deer will be eating when season rolls around, acorns, grass etc...

hope this helps some