MO Archer, that's the same way it is in Alabama. You can bait all year long but it has to be removed or consumed 10 days before you hunt the spot.
whats wrong with this pic?
whats next, saying mowed grass is illegal, deer love fresh cut grass too.
Bait as defined by Merriam Webster.
1 a : something (as food) used in luring especially to a hook or trap.
A food plot is an unnatural food source planted specifically for attracting and holding deer in a specific place. No matter how you look at it a food plot is just another source of bait.
So is doe urine, mock scrapes, decoys, etc... etc...