I hear what your saying jimimac ive posted on here and hardly get any responses most of the time i just go to other sites where people respond, i dont know why that is...
as to the deer not being there, i have had that happen to me here in PA when i hunt a spot to much,,, i think everyone is right is saying that the deer pick up your scent and leave for awhile.... if you give it a break for awhile they will come back...
good luck..