RE: Hot zone for the does...take one out, or leave them alone?
At this point in the season, I would leave the does alone. You always have rifle/late season to thin them. I also wouldn't be focusing on their food, but rather their bedding. I would be looking for topo features downwind of that bedding area. You won't see as many deer, but you will seemore bucks.
I had a similar scenario last weekend. In NY I had a family group of does come to 18 yards. I knew I was close to their bedding, so I passed them knowing at least one would cycle into heat in the next week or two. They ended up bedding within 50 yards. I watched until noon or so, and then backed out knowing they will be back. There is a stream crossing just 50 yards from there downwind, and I'll be campng out there next week.