Great question. Several years ago, when I was much younger, I fell for those stupid smoking punk stick scents. What a crock of crap those were. They drove ME out of the area. Imagine what they did to the deer! After that I decided enough was enough and cut everything back to the simpler life. All I take into the woods with me now is my 870 (rifled barrel, open sights), my binos and my camo. No cover scents needed if you hunt the wind right and no attractants needed if you scout out the right spots. I've taken more deer and been more relaxed ever since!