First off, If you don't have any get yourself some Ariel Photos & Topo Maps. Need some? Go here http://terraserver.homeadvisor.msn.c...px?w=0&f=place
& find your hunting area(s). The deer are still there but are using the lay of the land to their advantage. I'm a bow only hunter & have seen what the "slug hunter" can do to deer, you just have to think like a one! Deer will 9X out of 10 move to the open when pressured, they see you coming & have all the time & distance they need to get away. Look at your hunting area on a topo/ariel photo & find any areas that provide
(1)Cover. depressions, grass, fences, ditches.
(2) Food/water.
Don't look for large areas but, rather small ones.. a big buck can hid behind a fence post! If decoys are legal in your area you might want to get your self one w/antlers.. a buck will feel safer/territorial if we sees another "buck" in the area & come to size him up or run him off. You just have to set him & your self in the right position for it to work. i.e. wind direction/scent, cover ect. If a decoy can't be used, put your self between them & their feeding/watering area's. Find the low ground or ridges on your topo map, that's where they will travel to & from feeding, all they have to do is poke their head over the hill to check for danger wile keeping well hid (hard to see just a head) if you find fresh tracks your in the right spot & it's just a matter of time. Good Luck.