I think that scouting is a year around deal. I like to do alot of scouting in february, March and April. My area has pretty heavy people traffic all year so it doesn' t bother the deer too much to be out now looking around. The best scouting I think you can do if you hunt the same areas is experience. This is gained through actual hunting in the fall. Every year you should learn more about the deer patterns in the area that you hunt. I know in my area the deer are in the same areas every year. The only exception may be very early due to different crop plantings in different areas.