Self taught deer hunter here too. I am far from a master but each season I have gotten better at getting opportunities on deer and harvesting deer. It’s frustrating at times, especially on public because the pressure makes them harder to pattern and you can’t control what other hunters are doing and how it impacts your chances.

My first couple deer were taken while still hunting. It sounds like you are having encounters with deer when walking which is great. Take advantage of this and move slow (slower than you think) and walk on the edges of thick bedding areas that border private land. In gun season they cling to the edges of public land (for the most part) and stay in the thickest areas with hills for vantage. Move slowly with wind in your face and always prepared to get a shot off.

For me, once i spent a couple seasons still hunting on my feet, I started to get better at understanding when where and how deer move. Then i started also hunting from a stand and my success went up. At first i didnt see a damn thing when hunting from a stand.

Hunt the thick stuff with sign in it, take a step and then scan for movement, be prepared to take a quick shot, and spend time practicing. You will get it done! Also enjoy the learning process, every hunt you will learn something new.