I have used apples but not as much during the season. I start to put them out about 10-14 days before the season opens. Once it is opened. I only put about 4-6 apples per day at the stand. Some days I don't put any. Imainly do itto scout out the area I hunt to seewhat is moving around. Gives me a good idea of the deer in the area.
I sometimes take a bucket of water mixed with sugar and thenput the apples in that mixtureovernight and then dump the whole thing on the ground. I have had times where the deer tear up the dirt from the sweetwater/sugar mixture soaking in the ground.