I know this for sure.....If you stay indoors you have a 100% chance of NOT seeing any deer...but if you go out and sit your chances improve.

As far as handling the cold......, layers, layers, and layers. Multiple loose thin layers beats the heck out of thick heavy layers. Chemical heat packs for your kidneys, wrists and the back of your neck work wonders. And keep you feet out of holes in the earth or from being exposed to whipping winds. Be careful out there.