I personnally like to use Buck type lures during the pre-rut time in my hunting areas. When I start seeing scrapes I like to use a tarsal gland lure in my mock scrapes or doctor up real scrapes to setup on. I've had luck with deer revisiting them, and had a 4pt come into one my scrapes, checking it out, stood right in it, smelled the scrape. As far as estrous I personnally start using that about this time of year in my area. The actual breeding rut is just around the corner, and the bucks are roaming in my area searching for a hot doe. Especially the larger bucks. I started using it this past wknd. Use of scents is almost like a science in itself. You need to know your area well, when deer go through the stages, and use the proper human scent precautions for them to work properly. Good Luck in your adventures!