Greg, it's tough!
If it's anything like my last timber co lease, it'll be super thick underbrush everywhere. Every spot with an open shooting lane will have a box stand in it. Since I started bow hunting I haven't tagged a deer in E.TX, BUT, I've learned a lot.
1.The mature bucks don't come out in the open very often, especially if they ain't ruttin.
2. Everywhere is a feeding area.
3. I have yet to find a bedding area that I believe to be a constant bedding area.
4. If you're wanting meat, a feeder might help you pull in some young deer. The big boys I believe are smart enough to stay away.
5. Find trails and scout them thoroughly!
6. If you find a trail going through an area that is so thick that makes it un-huntable,...find a way to hunt it!!

This last one, is what I was trying to do on my last lease. Hunt the un-huntable areas. People will think you're nuts and you will think you're nuts sometimes, but this is the pattern I was seeing at my place. Don't try to mow it or bush hog it, maybe trim a few limbs here and there for shooting windows. While scouting, if you see a cedar tree go check it for rubs. (see avatar to the right of my son) We didn't have a lot of cedar trees on that lease but most of the ones that we did have, were tore up. You're right in checking the edges of mature pines especially if it borders a "new" clear cut. The problem with finding a good spot in mature pines is, it won't be long before that area turns into a clear cut.[:@] If I was still on that lease I'd be hunting trails in the thickest cover I could find. But that's me...

Good Luck,
Waid

One more thing, I would not put out cameras on the trails I planned on hunting. Just find a trail you like and setup on it.