Is your bait or feeders in a large opening? If so does will come in with disregard while the bucks will hang back or even use it as a scrape checking the downwind side before coming in or at night. If this is the case try setting up your stand in the shadows or brush off the bait. You mentionwhere the trail splits is this wooded area that is relatively safe to the deer or is it directly behind your corn in close proximity? If a bit back this might the best spot with not really knowing which way they use most or head to bed. Often bucks follow such game paths laterally but cross over just to keep tabs on the others, an intersect is a likely place for this to occur. The only gotcha isbeing winded by the deer already passing the stand to the bait but if your in a tree stand you may be ok. The other option is move your bait into the bush, may have to clear a small area to create shooting lanes but it will allow for bucks to feel safe. The key with making your sit time more productive is safety, deer are very skidish by nature and as such move more freely in the safe confines of bush or brush..so I would be looking for such an area.

While it is true does will bring bucks during the rut to your bait, one must be willing to sit the entire day as those bucks can show at any time. Peak hours are always going to be a good bet but close to the rut and during I have found midday very productive(however I hunt area that offer safety so your midday mileage may vary). As far as scent I agree don't wear it on your body, you want to attract them but not to you! Place them upwind in shooting lanes and around your location.

Keep the faith and only wayto shot a buck iskeep trying. Good Luck