You're new to hunting, right? I'd say you're doing pretty good if you are. Public land in the southeast is some of the most challenging whitetail hunting there is.

23-24 deer season starts on Feb 11, and that's when the real work happens. Cover ground like a madman in the offseason, bust through thickets and find the bedding areas. A few years of that will give you a bunch of hunting spots. First hunt is the best hunt. Cameras can be helpful, but don't rely on them.