COOL CLEAR WATER

Waterholes/ponds should be part of any deer habitat improvement efforts. Deer are dependent on water, especially does after fawning, bucks during the rut when they’re running themselves ragged, and all deer when the weather is hot. But it’s much more than simply digging a hole and letting water run in. The combination of a food plot, water source and mineral source close to each other in a place where deer feel secure creates a buffet they love.

Water and specific aquatic plants can be introduced almost anywhere to attract and hold deer, turkeys, waterfowl and other wildlife (game and non-game), especially if no other water is nearby. Limited water might force wildlife to leave your property frequently. (If you don’t have beer in the refrigerator, you have to go to the store to buy some.)

But just because there is water on your property, that’s no assurance that deer and other wildlife up valuable minerals from the water, too. They do not require fresh water, as we do.