Happy hunting. I just went through all that and am about to go through it again. In California, we have two separate deer hunts: one in July and one in August. I was fortunate enough to draw a tag for an area I had never hunted before, and I drew another sub tag for a two day hunt within that area. So I had to scout three separate areas using my USGS maps, google earth, BLM land maps, and researching historical fill rates. It is my second favorite part of hunting, following the actual hunt itself of course. Keep us posted on your hunt. I'm 0-2 so far, but had an exciting run with a bachelor herd of black tail last weekend. They really are smarter running as a herd. I wish I could hunt them in rut.