Mostly observational, it's my rookie season but I'm not scared to cover ground. I want to be successful in hunting but so early in my efforts knowledge is more important than success, to me, so I still scout a lot.
I would offer a few guesses though.
Guesses are that terrain is favorable to deer for wind and thermals, probably offer some visual cover as well,the lower lying areas. Also protection from wind depending on the landscape, wind chill gets us all. Also water doesn't fluctuate in temperature as fast as air, so it could potentially be warmer or colder - a heat sink or ice cube depending on conditions.
There's also little green vegetation out there, so water might need to come from water rather than from whatever they're eating. So they're more inclined to stay close to wet/water. The most hardy plants may be able to use the extra moisture as well, possibly sustaining new growth, which in turn is food for our tasty friends.
Autumn olive is one hardy, hard to kill s.o.b. of a plant, they've got leaves hanging on still some places. If I recall right, it is also able to spread through its root system, that would probably mean that it will have new shoots coming up earlier than some other plants. New shoots being sustained by established plants, so again more resilient. Tender browse should be preferred as far as I know.
I've also noticed some seriously thorny vine like plants, kinda like brambles but I'm not sure this time of year, that are definitely still green, living and flexible, near the autumn olive. That's probably good food this time of year, if you're a deer. ( I'm finding groups -3 deer I believe, so a doe group- of fresh sign in these areas,along trails. Travel routes! With buffet stops!)
Long winded, sorry. I also welcome all thoughts or comments, let's learn together!