Hay is a waste of time. Deer prefer young growth, and fresh forbes. Plus hay would have little nutritional value for them. If your simply looking for an attractant. I' d at least consider something of nutritional value as well. Mineral licks come to mind that are high in calcium, and not all salt. I' ve placed those out, and poured molasses or mixed in a bag of corn to get the deer attracted to it. Once they found it, they were digging holes in the ground. Some feed stores can mix up mineral supplements for a reasonable price. Its more cost effective then buying it from big name brands.