Yep Whitetails are tough there is no doubt. All the above mentioned are factors, I believe the most important is knowing your deer herds core areas. know this and does can be taken almost at will. All the sign in the world wont get your a Buck, You have to observe it. This means Hanging a stand and adjusting to changing feeding patterns, travel routes and agricultrural cycles. Know your Bucks core area and be with does close to it in early november and you will get your opportunity. Actually closing the deal is a whole nother story.