both have applications, i love hunting field edges during the rut so i can use the decoy, i have had nothing but poor results in the close quarters that timbers provide, so field edges with a decoy is a must imo. however, the staging areas just inside the timber can be dynamite as well! This time of year it is very difficult to get a good feel of where the deer are traveling, but if you find a heavily used trail chances are good that type of pattern will hold.
I also like to sit and watch from a far early on, then set up new spots as the season progresses, but by far the best location to key in on this time of year is bottle-necks and funnel type features. regardless of the nearest available food source, the deer will use the easiest and most accesible cover for movement. most funnels are killer locations all year long. but usually will require you be off the field edge.
so in short, it really depends on the forage available, and amount of visable sign. if given the choice, ill pick a field edge, but im not afraid to move off the edges to get a little closer to home!
good luck!