First I decide what I want to hunt. Next I find a state that has what is important to me. Trophy, how often I can get a tag, success rate, public land etc. example I pick Wyoming general area G and R. G has trophy potential, public land, lower success than Region R and I can draw a tag every 6 years. Region R deer do not get to trophy size, success rate is better than G, plenty of public land, and I can draw a tag almost every year or two. Let's say that I choose region R because going more often is more important than trophy. I call the game warden a few times, call the biologist, get road access maps, look at google earth, search forums. I will go to a new hunt area at least 4-7 days before a hunt first trip or fifth trip. The more you go the better you will do. I usually hunt the same area just different spots, you should always have a plan A B C and D