i like to see fresh buck poop right where i want to be hunting. i mean almost steaming is best. i dont know about research says, but i believe if a deer poops they are not worried about being scented in that area plus it shows they are definitely there. just got back from my spot and found a nice fresh pile. i have had spots that ive made mistakes and been busted and suddenly there is less poop laying around. tracks aint always everything especially if the ground is moist because they stay in the ground for a couple weeks or more sometimes. now if i see dozens of tracks like the ground is tore up then im happy to hunt there as well.