Well, you have already seen a good buck in the area where you are hunting so that is a good start....There is nothing like actually sightings to confirm that you are hunting a area that is holding good bucks....Monster bucks so to speak don't just hang out in every patch of timber around.... There are in my mind key elements to look for....Thick cover, food & water in close proximity, room to move, and of course does....Once I've found these things I look for the sign that bucks are there like stated before....They could be anywhere when the rut hits, but IMO those things are needed to hold good bucks in a given area....The travel type area you described is a awesome setup when the rut is on....Like I said they can be anywhere but you know if your on a good run or travel corridor your going to likely see bucks....