I think they are both "BAITING". You plant a food plot to bring deer to a certain area. You put apples,corn,salt out to bring a deer to a certain area. Since you think it`s okay b/c plots are there 365 days a yr what if you have corn or apples on site 365 days a year does that make it ok. What if you plant apple trees in your spot? is that baiting or a food plot? I really think IMO that if you feed deer outside of season it should be ok.