I hunt a spot similar to the one your in but not nearly as large. I find the bedding areas, although really thick, i still hang a stand. Most of the time you willhear the deer but not see them. When you do getto see them they are usually really close (no more than 15yrds) and are sometimes more surprised to see you!The last two pics you have there look almost identical to where i hunt. The ground is a little damp, at times flooded, so ihunt the base of the hill that leads tothe swampy areawhere the deer travel around the flooded parts.