I wish they would allow real muzzleloaders down here during the extended archery season.
This is my experience as well. Hunting with a recurve without getting spotted this time of year is tough. I passed up some small bucks and does in November holding out for a few bigger bucks I was seeing regularly. I thought I would have plenty of opportunities in January, but they have been real spooky, and getting one within range during daylight has been tough.Saw lots deer, bucks still prowling around -hitting feeders heavy. Cant keep corn in them even at low gravity settings. I didnt hunt Sunday am, only Sat pm and sunday pm - 21 plus windchill no way! You are right about not much cover and I have hunted with a recurve all year, even after decades o shooting them real close with a compound only - the trad game is very different and I have been in a steep learning curve. The window of opportunity is tight, event compared to a compound. Does and young bucks doable, big bucks consistently - not so sure on that. And the extremem late January cold doesnt make it any easier.
I've went once up here in NG extended season for my county (Hall). Will probably go again. With no leaves there is little cover in the tree. I might try from the ground just for the fun of it with my bow.
Good luck to anyone still out there.