I think we need a bit of clarification here cuzI do think it matters whether you're talking about a natural cover scent like autumn leaves or cedar or a deer scent like estrus or doe pee, if you're just using the natural coverscent i'd say go ahead and walk straight to your stand. However, on the other hand if you're using a deer attractant of some sort like estrus i'd suggestfirst of all make sure you're veryconscious about your own human scent and if you think youdid a good job keeping relatively scentless then i'd either zig-zag or walk around your stand so you get a broadside shot some how, because i can tell you from experiencedoing the same thing you're talking about (putting some scent on my boot and walking in), I've had a deer follow my scent trail exactly as ive it were on a rope, and because i zig-zagged i got ashot, had i walked straight in i'm pretty sure the deer would have walked to the tree i was in and looked right up at me and bolted. The jist of it is be careful with your human scent first andlay a trail that will provide you with a good shot if the deer follows it like you're hoping. It also helps to hang a wick of the scent in a spot you want the deer to stop and turn. hope this helps, sorry its so long, ourgun season starts saturday and i'm gettin awful anxious!