By different region do you mean in CA or another state? Here is what I do and in fact what I did as I relocated 5 years ago. First I talked to everyone I could. Sporting goods stores, gas station attendants, BLM and Forest Service employees, even a retired game warden. Anyone who will talk about hunting areas. I tried not to ask anything too specific at first. From this information I made a day trip to an area which was recommended. By accident I discovered something interesting. Once you have made a trip into an area the person who recommended it will talk in more detail about it. It is like you now have something in common. Mention a particular landmark and they give you an "oh yea. If you go over the next ridge there is a nice aspen flat with a good wallow. Of course, the old contour map and google earth were visited regularly. Long story short, I was in deer elk on that first season. It seems like the more you know the easier it is to learn more. That became my "core area" and it gets expanded each year. It is rated as a good area for trophy quality in the MRS section, however I have seen several huge bucks and 3 magnificent bulls. Haven't connected yet, but have had some outstanding opportunities. You may need to tweek this a bit to suit your needs because you aren't relocating to the area, but the basic idea still holds true. Gather all the info you can, but sooner or later you have to put boots on the ground and decide for yourself.
Good Luck.
