I am a 35 year old hard core hunting fanatic that happens to think scents and calls are for suckers!! I have read books, watched tapes and tried just about every type of call and scent, only to find out that they are all the same. They work to an extent, but I have never killed a mature buck while using them. My theory to killing mature bucks is to hunt where they frequent and blend into the surroundings as if you were not even there. After all, if a deer scenses no danger, he will follow his every day routine. Add a scent or call to the area and you have just tipped him off as to your location, which gives him an un-needed advantage!!!
You dont need them , but there are times when they sure help! I would probably guess that if you' ve tried them all to no avail and you think their all the same then your doing something wrong. I wont enter the woods without my grunt call especially during prime rut. As for scents for bucks , I use them on scrapes every year with great success.