I just use shelled corn or apples. I don't bait continuosly though. I just put bait down when I am in the stand. It helps stop them so I can get a shot off easier.
I don't put bait down when I am not there or on a daily basis. Once I set my stand I don't go near the area unless I am going to hunt it. That is during bow season though.
Where I gun hunt the guy that owns the land baits every day during gun season and a few days before. But only about a coffee can full at each location in the mornings. And your right, other critters eat most of it from the looks of it. Gives me something to look at while I'm in my blind though.
We have three permenant blinds set up on 50 acres there.
Paul