I think you have a higher chance of intercepting one when you have a lot of land to use than pinpointing a buck. If you can find a place that squeezes their travel into bow range between the bedding and feeding areas than I think that is a great place to start.

I just found out my day at my friends lease may be on the 20th instead of the 13th. I'm kind of glad in a way because the 3rd weekend in Oct is usually when the pre-rut starts to kick-in here and the bucks start to be more receptive to calling and rattling. Also that is usually when the weather starts to turn cool. Also the leaves will be at their peak and it will be perfect. I called my first buck with a bow in on Oct 22nd in 2005 so the 20th should be a good time to be out there. I have to wait one more week but it may make the difference with the bucks.