I think it it taking the easy way out. If you hunt a buck in an area where there are no crops, feeders, or bait, and you are smart or lucky enough to take him then you have accomplished a great feat. But, if you were to take the same buck under the above conditions: crops, bait, feeder then it would be much easier, besides the luck factor. It is illegal in VA to bait deer, but some states allow it. We can plant food plots though.

I think there is a fine line between food plots and bait piles or stations. First, planted crops can and do fail, period! Bait stations are dependent upon someone putting the food out. Most of the time it is there for a limited amount of time, so it feeds the deer herd on a limited basis. Mostly to draw them into a small area. Food plots on the other hand, generally feed the deer for a much longer period of time. So before and after the season the deer continue to reap the benefits. And, are not confined to a small area.

I know there are those of you that have a feeding system year-round, but it still draws deer to a small area. And, are the feeders set on a timer? If they are, that further conditions the deer to come to the feeders at a certain time or the feed will be consumed by other deer and wildlife.

Each to their own, if it is legal in your neck of the woods. I will be much more proud to shoot a deer under natural conditions, as apposed to baiting!