Wow this one got some people in an uproar. I would have to say to each his own. Personally I view baiting as bringing an animal to a specific point for the purpose of killing it. Whereas a food plot is just that, a plot of food, usually and comfortable saying they are always larger than a bait pile. You have no control on where the deer is going to come into the plot but a bait pile controls where they will come. Just my opinion but does bring up a point I don't believe anyone has mentioned.