I agree with Sheridan.You shouldn't need a scope especially in thick cover.I hunt at night, so a snow covered ground is what I like,I don't even need a light.I'm not sure where you hunt North,south,east or west?I hunt the northeast(New York).Bait/decoy would be good,but if I sit on a single stand for long periods I won't call alot.Just enough to get em interested.Once they know you're there they'll avoid you like the plague.when you call they will almost always get downwind and if they don't see/smell what is making the noise you might not get them into shotgun range.If you have a huntin' buddy or an electric caller you might consider setting up one guy downwind of the caller to intercept them when they try to get downwind of the "free meal".Keep the questions comin' and let us know how you do.Good huntin'. my season starts Oct. 1st. I'll probably get a few nights in before Bow season for deer opens on Oct.16th. I'll let ya'll know how I do.