RE: don't you guys feel like your wasting your time
This is how I think of it, and it's pretty simplistic. When I used to hear about "funnels", I instantly related that term to open areas between the thick stuff. I've learned that it's exactly the opposite. Look for those strips of thick stuff between open areas. Or, look for a saddle (low place) between two ridges. Deer will almost always go low instead of exposing themselves higher up. It's trite, but focus on edges of cover. Those old bucks will often get in amongst the thickest, nastiest stuff they can find, and catching them coming or going is the best bet. Lots of times, the lay of the land will tell you how the deer will travel. Hope some of that helps. Good luck!