Ya know this is a very good question. I am looking at a new piece in Maine this year myself and its real big woods with some old (5 years) cut overs. And what I do is get out as much as possiable and walk the area and try to get to know the area now if you go up by me bring a compass and a GPS or people might be hunting you. bring a note pad and pen and write down things that interest you. All the time looking for deer sign. Sometimes up where I am its difficult as there are so many Moose they tend to cover up a lot of deer sign. Anyway I note small rivers and creeks as I find that deer tend to go to the same spot and cross. The big thing I look for is scatt old and fresh as this means that the deer use this area a lot. By now you should be finding places of intrest and as the season gets closer watch for scrapes and rubs and of corse sightings. Also if you can get on good deer runs follow them they should lead to either bedding or feeding areas. Remember scouting is not over just because the season starts if your not seeing what you like do more scouting during mid day. I hope this helps a little and good luck.