where we do our general deer hunt in NE UT. there are alot of big deer holding up in the dark pines.it is really weather dependant if they will come out or not. return to the same area 3 weeks later and you will see them.2 years ago i saw 25 different bucks.1 deer was pushin 30 ended up with a 26" buck with 4 1/2" eyeguards.this year there was alot less snow and could only find younger bucks that were really easy to pattern.i knew the bigger deer were holding in the thick trees.i was finding their tracks on the edge.i knew the difficulties of hunting the thick stuff and have told myself i wouldnt hunt that way.the deadfall makes it almost impossible to be stealthy.on 2 different occasions i slipped into the trees from above following trals that i had seen good 3 1/2" tracks on.i knew the action would be fast,so with my gun in the ready position thumb on the safety i crept along moving very slow and stopping often to glass as far ahead as i could.both of the bucks i jumped i didn't see until they were up out of their beds they took one look at me and immediately put trees between us i never could get a clear shot.both of these deer were 3 year old 4 points 20-23".very frustrating and difficult with an 11 year old kid.these deer should be there waiting for us this year 1 year older and wiser.these deer were both watching their backtral but not down wind.how do i change my strategy?if the weather is different i can go back to hunting the edge. this year it is all about the kid and edge hunting will be alot easier for her.