i've onlyhunted 1 season with my ladder stand (last year) and didn't have it brushed in at all. i've had deer walk within 10 yards of me, practically right underneath me several times. i think the trick is to have it in place well before the season so the deer get used to seeing it and don't consider it a threat. it's an inanimate object and as long as you don't get it all scented up, it probably won't phase them.