RE: Checking trail cameras
I don't like to set up over brait, you don't learn much about what they are doing - all's you learn is that they like the bait. You do however learn "whats in the area".
I like scrapes - even in the off season - look for the bigger ones near bedding areas - with good licking branches. I think the average person would be suprised how often deer (bucks & does) visit old scrape sites year round.