Building a water source for deer property.

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

I'm thinking of building a water type trough for deer this spring. I was watching NAW (North American Whitetail) show and Dr deer suggested best thing for many hunters managing their area is a water source. I'm thinking I may put in a tank (I have those) or build something during drought years there is nothing in my creek. I have several of those IBC totes. Maybe cut it down to half size and truck water to it once/twice a week. It's an hour drive from my house and I would probably use my mule to put in 25-50 gallons when I do it.

This plot is 36 acres had great bedding areas, working to make the food plots better. Looking for an advantage. I have good/great bucks come through and bedding on the property as well as does.

Was wondering if any of yall have experience and experiences around this. Do wild life use these ok?

 

[EddieWalker]

A reliable year round water source will bring them in and keep them around if there isn't other sources of water. What are they drinking now?

I enjoy looking at game camera pictures and it seems that a lot of them are set up at water tanks on large ranches for cattle. Wildlife uses them all the time and there are some great pics of massive bulls, bucks and rams at them.

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

Usually there is at least some water in the main creek ( a discharge from a large pond). This year not so much. Its not flowing like it did due to the drought.

I too enjoy watching the game cameras to see what comes by.

 

[Highlandr]

Do wild life use these ok?

They do.

That kiddie pool is about 900 feet from an undeveloped shoreline of High Rock Lake. So it's not like they don't have access to water.

I also have video of a gang of raccoons having a pool party after dark.

 

[Bearsixty7]

Maybe not cheap, but might be less work in the long run, why not have a small pond made that the creek can run into and once full the water just flows down the creek instead?