Let me echo Stone's thoughts.
I too hadn't seen much of the bucks anywhere within range. It reminded me of when I stalked my first Roe buck. I had been after a particular mature buck for a long time, but he had eluded me on many occasions. I knew where his territory was from seeing him several times.
So one day, having thought very carefully about my direction of approach to his territory, I decided to take it slower, and watch more carefully. Walk 20 yards slowly keeping in the shadows; stop; scan through the bins carfeully and slowly; move on.
Eventually I spotted the tell-tale twitch of an ear in the long grass of a hedgerow, that with a closer look proved to be a head. It was hands and knees stuff over bery hard ground, for over 200 yards, lying up waiting for about 20 mins for him to stand up and move off to present a good shot, before I squeezed the trigger and he dropped on the spot.
Last night was similar - a carefully thought out approach, to an area of deep grass giving them plenty of cover with succulent hedgerows that has been a favoured food in previous years. Slow, patience, and very very close watching through the bins. Saw a doe first, and stood stock still, wtached her for ages, thinking 'there must be a buck somewhere around here'. Then, he came from almost behind me in huge bounds through the deep grass. Stopped about 80 yards in front of me to look at me. He now resides in my garage awaiting skinning and transfer to the freezer!
So, every now and then, when I'm not getting anywhere, I remind myself that they are there somewhere, and the key for me is the 3 P's: planning, preparation, and patience.
Good luck to all
RH