MRBB: I rarely if ever use scents. IMO no scent is the best scent. And I've seen too many hunters use scents incorrectly. Like apple cover up scent when there are no apple trees in the area, doe in heat scent in early archery season, etc. Its just not natural. When I do use a scent I've found that a buck scent is by far the best and have proven it to myself on several occasions. Especially from mid-Oct thru the end of Nov. During this time of year buck are extremely territorial and will check out every new buck in his area. And I also know that grunting will work on public land. I've witnessed it personally on several occasions. But again it is usually only during late oct thru nov.
Decoys - I've never had luck with them. I've had buck look at them then just ignore them and not come into bow range. And rattling, I've only ever had that work twice for me. And like you I've been hunting a long, long time. This will be my 54th year in the woods. Calls, scents and other items are no match for scouting and hunter knowledge/experience.