Replying late to this thread. Been busy scouting myself in A zone. Man it's hot out there. Anyway:
Mt Pinos is in D13 and is pretty high up but it holds a lot of wildlife in those canyons. Probably the biggest reason that you're not seeing much game sign is that this year is very dry and open water is hard to find. Even some of the more "reliable" streams that I know of are dry or are down to mere trickles. So most of the deer aren't roaming so widely.
To find game you need to do things in the right order. 1. Get a good map and look for water holes and streams & possible feed areas like Oak trees and potreros for socializing. 2. Get a couple/three good game cameras. 3. Make a plan that involves at least knowing where you want to go/how to get in & out without relying on a GPS, taking some food & more water than you think you'll ever need, having cold water & food in the truck for when you make it back, and a backup plan. 4. Go scout based on your plan and hang your cameras if you feel the area is worth it. 5. Evaluate the pictures you get on the game cameras and either stay where you are or move the cameras to new areas you think are better. 6. Get out there and HUNT! when the season opens.
