I dont hunt public land, so I cant help you there, but I can tell you how I like to scout the private land I hunt and what I like to look for on it and any new land I hunt. I like to find good trails in and around the food sources. I also look for old rub and scrape signs. One thing I have noticed is that bigger bucks dont always use the old worn trails of the does but bucks will sometimes use the same scrapping and rubbing areas. Some of the best sign I think you can find is actually seeing deer in your area, so I try to scout as quiety and invisible as possible. As far as sitting several mornings prior to season, once my stands are hung I try to avoid the area Im going to be hunting. You can always adjust your stands per sightings. Everybody does it differently, so youll just have to see what works in your area. Best of luck in '08