I use to bait when it was legal in our state but the state outlawed it a few years ago. I can honestly say that it didn't help me shoot anymore bucks but does could be shot at will. I didn't mind when they made it illegal because I've felt for a long time that I stood a better chance at some bone when it was natural. As far as bait piles spreading diseases, I would say there is a chance but I also feel that if you limited the amount of bait that was legal to put out, that would help. I would rather just hunt travel corridors than hunt bait but if it's legal in your state, no problem here.