Estrus scent question

[Coon]

I was making my rounds the other day in Wal-Mart and Academy and noticed that both were almost cleaned out of all brands of estrus scents. I thought to myself, "Wow, the bucks are gonna be so confused and horny, they won't know which way to go! " Now I realize that bucks are more careless and stupid during the rut, but how much so? Which brings me to my real question:

With all the folks that hunt SHNF land using their own bottle of scent to make trails, mock scrapes and hang scent wicks, what effect will this have on the bucks that everywhere they turn is more estrus scent?

It seems to me that it might be smarter to just hunt the trails and food sources (where the real does are going to be) and leave the scent game to the neophytes. What do ya'll think?

Dave

[bowhuntertex]

I don't put much stock in scent trails, but I do like to hang 4-5 scent wicks up everytime I hunt. I think it helps attract bucks using the wind and I also think it helps some with concealing your own scent.........

[Indianhunter]

I think most of the younger bucks will follow the fake estrous trails, mock scrapes etc. but the truly mature bucks will be tougher to get reactions out of because there is a good chance they are locked down with real does and aren't out searching the woods like the younger ones

[Coon]

But the main thing I'm curious about is how so much estrus scent in their area affects them. I've had success using bottled scents, and have confidence in them on land where there are not lots of hunters. But since I'm talking about public land, there are lots of hunters out there (or were while the rut was going on) spraying bottled scent everywhere. How do ya'll think that affects deer activity?

Dave

[turbowhunter]

I don't think scent trails are a good idea if you think about it. Where you start is going to be the most conscentrated getting weaker towards your stand. If a buck comes across your scent trail, which way is he going to go? Towards you where the scent trail gets weaker or away from you as it gets stronger? I think it might do more harm than good.