Fabs, I heartily agree with you about the competition for big bucks.
Just to be a contrarian, yes, habitat management was practiced a long time ago- before the coming of the Pilgrims, even. Not planting feed plots, but, many Indian tribes burned sections of forest to get sunlight to the forest floor and growth of new grasses, for the sole purpose of attracting game.
Should be remembered that this took place before any logging, when forests were typically dominated by huge trees that blocked the sun for smaller plants. Forests then were much more open underneath than they are now in 99% of the country.
As to scent control: one of the largest bucks I've seen taken was shot by a friend at about 35 yards. He shot it just below the ear, because that was the clearest opening thru thick brush. When we got to him, and were looking at what he'd shot, his comment was, "and I didn't even drop my cigarette"
