RE: early season scents/tactics/setups
There are several different companies that sell quality lures. I'm partial to one company, Jackies Deer Lures, as I've had marvelous success for nearly twenty years.
Most hunters who do use lure have their favorite. It really turns into a "pissin' match" when it comes to which is the best to use. There are many testimonials for many companies.
Keeping it clean is the most important factor regardless of whos lure you decide to use. Contamination will screw things up in a heartbeat. Rubber boots and latex gloves are very important.
Running scent lines via drag rags are very productive. I use one product called "retract-a-drag". I believe HS markets/distributes this product to date. I met the developer, Bill Knapke about 10 years ago and have used this simple lure drag since....not the first one I ever got. Shoot, I've probably gone through 15 since then. LOL
Scent posts are a must. A simple film canister with fresh cotton as a wick work great, or leaving some of the wick out of the retractadrag is what I do.
Most importantly, you don't have to use a lot of lure for results. More is not better when you're dealing with scent.
Use the correct scent for the timeframe you're hunting. Dominant or estrus lure should be used during the pre-rut. A social scent such as doe urine with interdigital is perfect for early season. Heck I use it all year long keeping mock scrapes open and trail cameras going.