any thoughts on using molasses as a cover scent or as an attractant ?

Might want to check laws to make sure it won't be baiting in your state.

Besides that might spook deer also till they figure out that new scent isn't a danger.

Unless the substance occurs naturally in my area, I stay away from it.

Like apples. No orchards in my area so i would not use apples, apple scent nor apple licks.

Unless I'm hunting with my brother in NY: He lives amidst orchards and apples abound there. There, I WOULD use apple scent, apples and apple licks (as legality permits).

JMHO

I tried vanilla this year as a cover scent. I didn't see many deer but that could be due to the wind being wrong the whole week. In any case, I'll use nothing next year. This is the deer's living room. If a strange new scent appears he stays away.

Some states might consider this baiting, so check on laws first. Like a few of the others have said also, certain scents that are not naturally occurring in an area and can therefore be a red flag to deer. Not saying 100% that it would spook any deer in your area ( as there are certain scents that are used as " curiosity " scents such as anise, cinnamon, corriander and tonquin musk) that are used exactly as that " curiosity scents " that in some cases brings in a deer by arousing his curiosity.... trails end 307 is a good example....it uses deer urine with other curiosity scents and has worked well for me a couple seasons to bring in deer. I STILL say the safest bet however for cover scents is to use what is natural to your area...IE if you are hunting the pines....use pine and earth scent, if you are hunting in the oaks/ hickory/ beech nut....use acorn and earth scents....earth scent can be used anywhere and almost all cover scents can be made at home....so you can experiment and practice.... and save some money at the same time.

molasses is the best attractant for BEARS.

I used to think that deer would shy away from scents they dont regonize then last a buddy of mine shows up with this little bag of rutnapples. Mind you this is in south florida. Dumped 1/2 a bag about 2lbs 30 yards from his stad. Within 15 minutes he had 3 does and 2 young bucks eating away.

SO I guess deer raised on palmetto berries and oranges like apples too.