to answer the giving up on a spot...it can be difficult to pinpoint key trails during and before the season...sometimes hunting an early season spot in the late season can be disappointing in a way, if you don't see anything.

being able to move about, constantly adapt to food sources, travel routes...i don't recall me saying i would "give up" on a spot if i don't see a deer there, sometimes timing with the season will turn it into a honey hole...patience buddy, you will do fine