Each state has different rules on baiting, we can't bait way before season starts, only 24 hours before season. And we can only place 2 gallons of corn out max. Don't know what state your in, but make sure of the rules. I personally don't have a problem with my scent stopping the deer from coming, they know i'm giving them corn and they eat it anyway. When baiting early morning the crows, squirrels & bluejays seem to eat it all, before the deer get there, usually starting at dusk. We can't use a feeder here, that would save a lot of hassle. I had lots of nice bucks on my food plot and corn this year but they were mainly nocturnal unfortunately. However there were a few rare cam pics of some big boys during daylight shooting hours. Anyway every herd can be a bit different, good luck.