Been doing it for years and I've documented some of it within my hunt journals that past few years. I attached two examples listed below during this year's deer season, which I explained why I do it.
I have learned long ago while working within the woods over the years during the hunting seasons, things like brush clearing and/or wood work, the wildlife in the area generally do not seem to mind too much or appear not to be bothered horribly while I'm actually working. In fact, I have encountered many deer while doing that kind of work in the woods, so I consider it a different style of scouting for me as well.
I clear our streams and creeks from log jams every year, typically in the fall when the they dry up the most, which is crucial for a few reasons, but also to maintain regular deer movement near our home. The creeks and streams are highways for the deer.
I also maintain a 6' mowed path right along our entire alfalfa/wooded field. Not so much for the deer sake, even though they use it regularly, but for me mainly, to help minimize any contact with weeds and/or brush, to help minimize leaving behind any of my scent while entering into the woods.
I'd like to also share, while approaching some, but not all, of my yearly hang-on setups, I will take a path that is not less resistant, one that is typically very congested with heavy shrubs, to help conceal me as I approach, however I will also clear the ground of any small tree limbs and/or leaves to help minimize noise as I make my way to those setups, which are typically near or right above some heavy duty deer paths/runs. I have also discovered by doing that, deer are less likely to track me to my tree that come into the area,
I agree with jagermeister also, mature bucks, from my experience, stay and/or travel within thicker cover areas most of the time for good reason. IMO, that is why they are mature, obviously a smart thing for them to do.
And finally, I still attempt to place certain setups with the thought in mind to out trick those older, smarter mature bucks, which is why I love to hunt them the most.