I hunt in an area in northern MN that has miles of mature forests, swamps, select cuts, etc. When I first started bow hunting up there five years ago I felt the same way you do. The first thing I would do if I was you would be to buy topo maps for your area and go to work. I just got back from up north and spent most of the day checking for potential spots for this year. The snow is still deep up where I hunt so I couldn't check as many spots as I would have liked to, but I still found another spot where I may hang a stand this year. The map should point you in the right direction to find funnels, ridges, saddles, etc. then get out and start walking. It will take some time and effort but you can consistantly see deer once you know what to look for.