I’d definitely try to schedule a hunt around the rut in the Midwest. It’s a whole different ball game and your odds of being successful are way up. I’d also look at season dates for the different weapon types. Bow hunts tend to be less pressure and gun hunts can be wide open and dangerous. If you have a muzzleloader that could be a happy compromise. May could do a time when the two seasons overlap. Like others have mentioned. Spend time looking at the different online maps that states offer and look for the same features you would look for in bama. Food, water, bedding and travel routes.