Devin,
you're just dealing with tough weather conditions.
I'm not surprised you're not finding deer up high, as the bucks are looking for does and there aren't usually many does in the high rough stuff this late. Their priority is getting those fawns to the winter range and they have an internal calendar that tells them when to go.
Obviously you can't be hunting around a bunch of hunters and roads either. The does will stay in places like that but most respectable bucks this early in the rut are way to smart to venture there, except maybe at midnight.
When I've found myself in your situation, I just try to hunt near the most secluded does (thick brush, rough) I can. I don't always kill a big deer, but usually find their tracks, or other sign that they are around. Just have to keep hunting and get lucky, but to get lucky, you have to hunt the areas that have the potential to hold them. The bucks are near the does somewhere...
Also, in this warm weather, sunrise is about the end of the hunt for that day- really! If you are to catch a good buck near the does, it's usually about 40 minutes before sunrise to sunrise. He may be around after that, but he'll be in the cover and if you didn't see him go in there, you won't know where to hunt for the rest of the day. That is why snow and cold is so valuable, it keeps the does more active (more energy needs) and then the bucks are out a little more too. I promise this is the trend. I've watched it many times over the last 30 years.
If you keep hunting you might be surprised what this change in the weather brings. Keep us posted.