This time of year you should see a lot of evidence of bucks in those woods. If I hunt new areas, I speed hunt. I check out place and if I don't see any good sign, I keep moving. I am looking for two things. Rubs and scrapes left by bucks and also deer trails that show a lot of old/new droppings. This tells me the deer are still using that area. I then try to locate a place I can setup where I can hopefully see a buck working his area and also possibly see other deer, especially does that are still using main trails. Very soon the bucks will be checking out places that they know the does use.

I also remind myself that any deer that knows he's being hunted will be almost impossible to shoot. Try to be as scent free as possible but also understand it is impossible to be 100% scent free. IMO, the biggest mistake hunters make is moving through the woods without wearing gloves and leaving their nasty, human, oily scent in the deer woods. It will take no time for those deer to realize humans have invaded their woods. Once that happens, the odds for success drops.

Select a spot that you feel gives you a good advantage and hunt it smart. Play the wind, get high (treestand) if possible and stay focused. All this may be easier said than done but at least give yourself a fighting chance. My main focus is not shooting a deer but putting myself in a good position to shoot a deer. The best way for that to happen is for me to see the deer before he ever knows he's being hunted.

Good luck to you and have fun. That's what it's all about.