Here's a technique that works almost everywhere: set up in the woods downwind of a trail that you know deer use. An ideal one typically runs between a food source and a bedding area; if you can find a place along the trail where the deer get funneled and channeled due to terrain and geography, this is excellent, as it means the deer have to go that way. Ambush a deer as it passes through. Fences, ravines, creeks, creek crossings, cliffs, etc. can all serve to funnel deer. Another is when a narrow strip of woods connects two larger tracts. Deer tend to travel in cover and this sort of thing pinches them.

In the evening, set up closer to or perhaps even overlooking the food source as that's where they'll be heading. In the morning, set up closer to the bedding area, though not so close as to be in it.

Here's some pre-season preparation tasks:

1. Find those trails, food sources, and bedding areas! Once you locate the beds, stay out of them as you can cause deer (esp. bucks) to relocate if they're disturbed repeatedly.

2. Look for deer sign while you're at it--rubs, old scrapes, droppings, etc. This will confirm deer use the area.

3. Set up some stands/spots. You might think about tree stands, commercially made blinds, etc. You can also keep it simple: build a brush pile for concealment. I like to find a downed tree and sit in the branches or behind the trunk. Stick an old chair in there and cut enough brush to give you concealment and to also clear shooting lanes. While you're at it, make sure you have a way to rest and steady the rifle while you aim. Hammer a couple of 2X4s if you need to build a rest.

Equipment suggestions:

Rifle: Stevens 200, Marlin XL7, Weatherby Vanguard, Remington 700 ADL are all well-regarded entry level rifles. I see good reviews on the Savage Edge, too, but it is still relatively untested. There are zillions of calibers that will do, but the most popular are the 30-06, .308, .270, .243. 7mm-08 is well- regarded as is the 25-06. A 30-30 is fine if you are taking 100-150 yard shots.

Miscellaneous: You'll need some knowledge of how to field dress a deer, and you absolutely have to have a hunting knife. Here's what I carry in my fanny pack: A length of rope to drag the deer out, a pen to fill out the tag, some extra shells (a box is plenty), and some string (you'll use it to tie of the intestine while you're field dressing and also to attach the tag.) A flashlight is a must, but a headlamp is even better to keep your hands free if you have to dress a deer in the dark. I also carry a small emergency poncho.