Yes, I agree the deer will change their basic patterns based mostly on the food source. I would not rely on setting up next Fall on what I see during the Winter months.

In-season scouting is crucial. It sounds so simply, but you can't shoot them if you can't see them. I have been hunting the same large piece of public woods for many years. I will also admit that I was and can be a stubborn hunter. I used to overhunt specific stands that were productive in past years. I would think that sooner or later I would see that big, old buck come into view while I was there. A few years ago, I changes my strategy. If I did not see any evidence of deer on stand, I would relocate after 3 sits (1 sit = 1/2 day). I would move either to a totally new piece of woods based on new scouting or simply move a few hundred yards away. My deer sighting increased significantly. Also, let me say my area has less than 10 deer/sq mile so seeing and shooting deer can be quite challenging.

My point is you have to be into deer. Continuing to scout during the deer season plays a major role in success.