RE: disapointing day in western MA
Stay with it! I hunted a while before seeing deer out of my stand, and when I did, it was like I was dreaming and not reality. Needless to say, I've blown my chances for adrenaline, etc. but have gotten better at stand placement and seeing deer as I learn more about the areas I hunt, etc.
Hang in there. Your success will increase as you tweak the places you hunt to match deer sightings, or lack of sightings.