once you put it down and they find it they will hit it even after its gone. they will keep going back to the spot and tear big holes in the ground searching for it. we have used it and have always had them digging deep holes but i have found they usually hit the areas at night. i have never seen deer hit the area during shooting hours. i have seen them walk right past it in the day. also it gets its best result here once the acorns are gone.