I used to hunt right alongside I-90 in Northern IL. I parked right along the highway fence.

In my experience: a) The deer paid no attention to the highway traffic.They would treat it as sort of a safe zone. (as in, they knew not much would come after them from that direction.) b) They rarely crossed the highway so I could use it as an 'unnatural' pinch point. c)Dudes in semis often honked when they saw me.

As far as your other questions, I've foundthebest habitat isusuallyheld by thedoes, the older bucks will often be in marginal stuff (usually thicker, nastier stuff). Find a location between food and bedding areas that you can get in and out of without being detected and you'll be set.