Where I hunt the deer also love apples however, the black bears love them more. so, we put out other things like; sweet cob, apple flavored licking block (only thing in common with apples was the name),all stock feed (the deer hated those pellits). the only thing that really excites the deer are apples so, i have decided to put apples out but, when i go to my blind i have a black bear tag along with my deer tag so, i should be prepared for either critter.