Ask yourself this question. How do you think those big boys got to be that large to begin with! They know when the guns come out to go hide, and become nocturnal. Personnally I don't believe in baiting nor is it legal in NY. But thats your choice. I don't think it helps much on big bucks anyways. I'd hunt the thickest areas possible you have on your farm, and where the area may be getting the least amount of pressure. I don't know about the VA rut, but I saw blood in doe urine this past wknd up here in the snow. They are coming into their 2nd heat. Its too early to throw in the towel after the first week. Heck my hunting season started the end of Sept. I got 1 wknd left, and I'm deerless thus far. I've only went deerless one other time in my life 7 yrs ago. I'm frustrated as heck, but I never throw in the towel. So hang in there, try to figure out something else. And to heck with the bait piles!!!! Good Luck.