In my younger years I hunted near farmlands and set up along well traveled runs. But over the past 15 or so years I've hunted exclusively timber areas. Finding food sources is often difficult as mast crops change from year to year. We haven't had a white oak acorn crop in several years. Depending mostly on the red and chestnut oaks. To supplement this there is plenty of browse in the form of sassafras and black birch. I've found that my best bet for seeing deer is to set my stands on pinch points and cuts (between strip mines) or along ridge lines.
Patience is key when hunting these areas as well as confidence in your set up. Stay as odor free as possible. I rarely use a scent, even a cover scent. I am of the opinion that no scent is the best.