Yeah I understand totally! I tried it too with the same scenario you did and the deer gave no response. I've been very successful with scent lures in the "real" woods and yes I use it faithfully. Sometimes it works sometimes it dosen't. But i would almost garauntee if you get a buck downwind and he is not spooked. He will come and stick his nose right up to the scent. I've just seen it to many times!