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Build Your Own Deer Waterhole
By Mark Melotik
Of the many projects deer hunters should be juggling during the spring, creating a manmade waterhole on your property might be one of the biggest keys to early season bowhunting success.
If your land lacks water sources, installing a simple DIY waterhole makes good sense because it will not only keep deer on your property, but also help position incoming bucks for high-percentage shots. And while its use during searing early season heat will likely be consistent — especially early and late — you can also expect frequent daytime use from cruising bucks during all stages of the rut.
Start with a trip to your local farm supply store to find a tank or container than can hold 75 to 150 gallons, usually the more capacity the better. To make it easy for deer to drink and to create as natural a source as possible, you’ll want to dig your container into the ground so the top is just below the surface of the surrounding soil, which can be a big job. Take heart that your sweat equity will likely pay off big.
Be strategic with your waterhole placement. Make sure a good stand tree (or two or three) is well within range, with more options offering use in different wind directions. Also, think about how deer travel on your property, and of course, your own entrance/exit trail. If you have food plots, resist placing your waterhole on the edge of a food plot. It’s better to place your waterhole somewhere between bedding and a plot (or other primary food source), giving you more options for productive stand sites. If far enough from the area food source and closer to bedding, you might have a great option for a morning stand, which are notoriously more difficult to pinpoint when the goal is a mature buck.
Why tackle this job now? Spring rains can help your tank remain full or drastically reduce refill visits. Don’t forget that hanging a trail camera on your waterhole will help you keep tabs on its use, and at least once or twice a year, use a metal rake to remove sticks and other debris that will ensure the site remains as attractive to local deer as possible.