The S.E. part of the state has some thick spots for sure. It's pure 30-30 country!! We do take a chainsaw and open up our feeders for 40-50 yard shots.
From what I see in your pics, there is very little browse for the deer. Pines tend to do that laying down a carpet of needles that choke out the understory.
Your doing well for the herd with year around feeding.