I hunt in NJ and it's legal to bait and hunt over bait for deer in almost all areas (except certain zones). I believe it's OK and I have no problems. I go both ways. Certain areas of the state where I hunt it's mostly residential and I am there to thin the herd. Only a small number of hunters in my town are permitted to do so within town bounderies. Bait is crucial to get the deer right where you want them and consistently getting them to come in for a feeding. I have never taken a buck with my bow over bait and have passed up a few. I mostly shoot the does in this situation.

Other areas I hunt I don't use bait and it's more fun/challenging.