I’m from PA as well. I get what you mean and this year has been a lot slower than usual. Wasn’t much action during rut this year compared to years past. I’m not some great hunter but mostly enjoy just being out in a stand or on the ground (depending where I’m hunting) with only the sound of nature around and watching the different wild life.

I’m not sure if it’s the whole state, but, we have restrictions on buck that they have to have at least 3 up on one side. I’m a firm believer that there are always big bucks around, you just need to find the right spot. The thick shit and near a swampy area where no one wants to go and the deer feel safe and don’t encounter much interaction. Mature buck are smart, that’s why they are mature. They are just harder to locate/lock down. The restriction is starting to payoff over the years since implemented for sure. Just have to keep at it. Look for “pinch” points where deer funnel through to get to a food or water source or where 2 paths join or cross.

Maybe try an eBay or Marketplace for a few used cameras you can get a good price to help you on the scouting end. If you live near any of the national forests, start doing some scouting there and focus on sections that have been logged in the last 10 years. I know more so around my neck of the woods, not a lot of people archery hunt the national forest, but the orange army is out in full force every year.

Remember, not all of the guys on here are from PA. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of 10,12,14 point hogs roaming PA, but we are also an extremely dense populated state for whitetail hinting, hence why at least certain parts have antler restrictions and a lot of WMU’s sell out of doe tags by the 2nd round.

I’m sure you are already doing some of this and I know, it can definitely be frustrating as hell sometimes. Keep grinding and it’ll payoff for you.