It will all depend on how your state classifies "baiting". Some states give a certain amount before it becomes baiting, and other states that allow baiting only allow a certain amount to be used.

I highly doubt one apple on the ground is going to be considered baiting. Just say you were eating in stand and you accidentally dropped it.

I doubt you are actually going to bring any deer in by doing that either. You might get them to stop if they walk by though. The bad thing is you rubbed it on YOUR tree and they will come right to where you are instead of being out far enough to take a good shot.

My question would be how many deer have you killed with this technique? If the answer is none or not many it probably isn't worth getting in trouble over is it.

I normally throw a few apples around where I hunt before I get in my stand, but I put them where I want the deer to be for my shot. I have never seen it attract deer, but when they come sometimes they stop long enough for me to get a shot off. I like this better than making a grunting noise to stop them. I prefer they have no idea I'm there, and I like shooting relaxed deer as opposed to alerting them right before the shot. Sometimes they just keep walking though. Maybe some deer just don't like apples?

Baiting is legal in MI though, and I am no where near maximum limit allowed.

Fair chase to me is running a deer down on foot and beating it to death with a rock. Anything beyond that is using technology or superior intellect to our advantage in order to kill an animal. Where to draw the line is the question, and most everyone has a different answer don't they. As long as it's legal and you feel comfortable with it I certainly don't have a problem with it.

Paul