If you have spot loaded with deer sign, remember they are their for a reason, be it bedding, funnel, food, etc. Unless a loss of habitat or something those areas usually hold deer year after year, but scouting is a must. I have already started scouting for next year. I will scout throughout the winter and shed hunt. In the spring I will watch food sources and walk my areas. I make maps, GPS mark, etc of new territory. Summer I spend more time walking the woods and checking old spots. Then as fall approachs I tend to stay back, watch entrance routes, food sources, etc. Fall and hunting is the best scouting. I tend to sit on food sources in the evening and as it turns cooler move back to transition areas...always scouting and planning. Really I never stop scouting until I find those spots that are the ones. Sure you'll bump deer but as long as you, don't overdue the presence..like every day then you should be good to go. I have spots that produce year after year, yet others that are one time or year places...it is really hard to tell for sure. In most cases the area still holds animals they may have switched up their routine for food, water, pressure, loos of habitat, etc.

Them hot spots from this year are always a good spot to start with and ear mark for scouting.