I would agree that winter/spring scouting is the best time to be checking things out, however I am not looking for fresh sighn r even deer at this point. The deer in Northern MI migrate and what you see now is only winter yarding. I wait until the snow is gone ( april-may) and spend as much time before spring green up. The woods will be open, visibiltiy is great and for the most part you can see what happened before the migration took place. I look for rub lines, runs, bedding, travel routes, staging areas...and last, possible stand spots. Keep in mind a that there is no back drop in a tree at this time of year and more than likely except for early fall there will be no back drop in mid and late fall. You can easily pick the best tree for cover. Do you work now and you will be ready come the first of your season. It really can pay off. Spend as much time as you can, I even take time off of work to get this done. Good Luck!