Apples are pretty well number one in attracting deer, at least around here. They like corn, but apples will be gone in a few days. The scent does need to be dispursed for sure, what I do, is cut some, and I also take some, and rake the tree's in a circle around the bait, at about a 3-4 foot level, this helps the scent get out, and let all the deer know they are there.