A big 12-point buck stands on the bank of the pond, slurping down gulps of water in rapid fashion. Each drink visibly travels down the deer’s throat, ending up in the belly of the ruminant beast. Broadside and 30 yards away, it’d be the shot of a lifetime. That is, if the buck wasn’t 3.5 years old and on the 2022 season no-shoot list. A few seconds later, he turns and walks away, disappearing into the brush.

In short, 1 year later, I arrowed that buck (photo above). But more about that story later. For now, let’s focus on the how, where and why of water and whitetails.

According to most sources, whitetails lose water via urine, feces and their breath. That requires constant replenishment. Therefore, whitetails need a lot of water. For example, a 200-pound buck can consume 4-5 quarts per day.

Temperature, metabolism, food source availability and more, impact how much water is drunk directly. Deer can obtain a lot of water intake via food sources and general digestion. For example, preformed water is absorbed from food eaten. Interestingly, numerous food sources offer good water levels. Some range from 50% to 90% water content. Metabolic water is benefitted from fats and proteins.

Deer often consume more water directly in fall. This is because of rutting activity, lower water content in food sources, and more. Eventually, when their metabolism decreases in winter, water intake is impacted, too.

The Benefits of Water

Water is a vital need for all animals, and whitetails aren’t exceptions. Water intake is crucial for survival, and hunters and land managers who provide it are serving the local deer herd quite well. Of course, water serves numerous benefits, especially if it’s offered (or pre-exists) in the right way.

The obvious benefit of water is hydration. Offering water in key locations is important, especially in areas that lack it. More arid regions cause deer to congregate, which isn’t good. Providing water in different areas spreads the herd out in a healthier manner.

In times of disease, such as epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), having extra water sources is a good thing. Specially crafted watering holes that don’t serve as a midge fly breeding ground can help draw deer away from water sources that do.

Water sources should be evenly distributed throughout the property, too. Done strategically, if positioned adjacent to each bedding area, this can increase the number of bucks that inhabit the area. This gives them their own space, which is important when trying to encourage as many bucks as possible to use the property.

Additionally, larger water sources can also help boost edge habitat, which deer depend on. Water can serve as security, too. Oftentimes, deer use it to their advantage. For example, deer commonly bed in oxbows, and use the water as a buffer to reduce odds of a predator approaching from the water. And if a predator approaches from land, deer cross the water and swim to safety.

From a hunting perspective, adding strategic water sources helps hold deer in the area. That in turn results in better hunting. It can even increase the quantity and quality of shot opportunities. That leads to a more likely, and more ethical, filling of deer tags.

Furthermore, shallow creeks and streams, and even lakeshores, can reduce entry and exit route scent. Walking through the shallow water cuts down on ground scent deer can detect.

Finding Existing Water Sources

It isn’t always necessary to create new watering holes. In fact, it’s possible to source existing ones. Hunting apps, such as HuntStand, and other app layers and maps, can help locate water sources. 

Of course, natural water sources vary in shape and size. But certain types are more attractive to deer than others. For example, deer tend to bed along creeks and rivers, especially in oxbows. However, for drinking purposes, deer (especially mature bucks) tend to focus on small, secluded, quiet water sources. These tend to be more remote, less frequented by humans, and don’t limit a deer’s ears. (Think seeps, shallow springs, underground spring emergences, small watering holes, etc.)

Building New Water Holes

Some types and sizes of water sources are better than others.

Moderate Ponds: A moderate pond calls for heavy machinery and some time to construct it. A moderately sized pond is ideal for serving deer herd’s that don’t already have good access to a nearby body of water. These are usually best in open fields.

Small Ponds: A smaller pond requires heavy machinery, too. It’s good for providing bulk for deer in places that don’t already have much access to water. Consider placing these on the fringes of cover, or even on the edges of bedding areas. Food plots are ideal locations, too.

Buried Tanks and Tubs: Hand-digging holes that fit rubber tubs can offer small water sources to deer. These are ideal for offering small water holes in bedding areas, staging areas, food plots, and more. Examples include burying plastic swimming pools and rubber tubs. Also, manufactured waterers are durable and effective. If you plan to install a small watering hole, make it big enough to last. These should be at least 50-60 gallons, but preferably 75-100 gallons (or more).

Best Places for Water Sources

Some areas are better or worse locations for adding water sources. Properties with an abundance of water likely don’t need more options. In fact, the more water an area offers, the less effective an added water source will be.

In contrast, areas that lack an abundance of water can benefit greatly. (And so can funneling deer into shot opportunities.) Placed effectively, small water sources can encourage deer to bed in and travel through specific areas.

Good areas to install watering holes include close to bedding areas, in staging areas, in the middle of food sources (especially food plots), within range of your chosen weapon type, and more. Essentially, offer water sources in different areas that double as good stand locations.

Water Hole Maintenance

Established water holes shouldn’t be ignored. These must be maintained and kept up. Fail to do that, and water holes quickly degrade from health and effectiveness standpoints.

First, leave a limb in the water hole. This allows large bugs and small animals to climb out if they fall in. This is especially important for plastic- and rubber-based water holes. (These are difficult for small animals to grip and climb out of.)

Next, clean out the watering hole at least once every year. Remove sticks, leaves and other debris that blew or fell into the hole in the previous months. Also, repair any below-surface issues with the water hole, especially with rubber and plastic water tanks.

Of course, keep water holes looking as natural as possible. This increases the odds of deer adopting these, especially mature bucks.

Blinds, Treestands and Trail Cams Over Water Holes

Those who plan to hunt over water holes likely do so via ground blinds and treestands. Depending on the specific situation, some might be more suitable than others. Whitetails are naturally skittish around water sources, and hunter presence only amplifies that effect.

I prefer treestands placed 20 feet or higher, or hard-sided blinds (mostly the latter). The reason is wind. Oftentimes, wind swirls around water. Thermals are in play, too. In the afternoon, when thermals are falling, scent washes downward.

Furthermore, water is cooler than the air around it. This creates a thermal effect. As a result, with minimal to no wind speed, scent slowly pulls downward toward the water. Obviously, any deer around it will smell the intruder.

If hunting from a treestand, it should be hung higher in hopes that scent remains above deer’s heads. Mornings are the perfect time for hunting over water holes from treestands. When the sun rises, thermals kick in, and air rises, too. This carries scent up and away from the surrounding area. Another great time to hunt water holes from a stand is if the wind is blowing away from the water source and with enough speed to mitigate afternoon and water thermal effects.

While more expensive than treestands, the safest water source play is deploying an enclosed, hard-sided blind next to water sources. If scent-proof (with doors and windows closed), this mitigates the swirling- and thermal-wind factors. Then, when time to shoot, merely open the shooting window and take the shot.

Those who plan to position trail cameras over water holes should do so in a manner that doesn’t spook deer. It’s quite the rush to receive photos of a big deer (or any deer) drinking from a water source you provided. Realizing a pattern of a target deer hitting one with consistency, and it’s an even bigger shot of adrenaline.

When hanging trail cameras, consider using a quality cell camera with an external battery source. Long-lasting battery boxes and solar panels ensure cameras keep chugging along for weeks or months. This combination ensures reliable transmissions and reduces pressure associated with checking traditional SD cameras.

Final Thoughts

Overall, water sources are vital property elements for whitetails. General water sources are great, but water placed in strategic locations become even more beneficial. These can hold deer in specific areas and even increase odds of harvesting deer. Simply put, water works for deer and deer hunters.

SIDEBAR: Case in Point — Big 12

I can’t recall but one buck I’ve ever been as focused on or excited about hunting than Big 12. That 2022 season encounter of the 3.5-year-old buck started the gears turning. I began brainstorming a hunt plan for the 2023 season.

Without question, the pond located at the center of the 200-acre property served as a central water source for the property. The stands of timber along the east and west sides of it, and the crops located between the pond and timber bedding areas, helped keep that buck on the tract as much as possible.

Additionally, installed watering holes on the edges of bedding areas and staging areas helped keep that buck on lines of movements I wanted him to be on. Additionally, trail cams over these water holes helped keep tabs on the buck, too.

In my 3 years of history with Big 12, he always used the pond at the center of the property as his primary water source. An untold number of trail camera photos, and in-person sightings, displayed that.

In 2021, the buck hung around that pond frequently. In 2022, it was the same story. In 2023, he used it slightly less, but still homed in on it with regularity. While I didn’t shoot that buck over that pond, or the small water holes I installed, they still played major roles in keeping that buck in the area and on desirable hunting-based lines of movement. It’s yet another example that every hunting property should incorporate water to boost herd health and increase hunting opportunities.

Editor’s Note: Check out the 8.5-minute YouTube video below to see the author kill Big 12. If you’re in a hurry, fast-forward to the 4:55 mark to get right to the action.

Sidebar: 3 Great Enclosed Blinds

Banks The Stump 4 360-Degree Phantom

One of the original box blind manufacturers, Banks did it again with The Stump 4 360-Degree Phantom blind. It’s ideal for concealing hunters visually and audibly. It certainly reduces scent escaping into the surrounding area. It offers 30-square-feet of internal space. Plus, its round design is ideal for bowhunting, and is crafted with very durable UV stabilized polyethylene material. It features a bark-like texture for a natural look. It measures 77 inches (diameter) by 80 inches (interior height) and weighs 400 pounds. MSRP is $3,999. Made in the USA.

Hawk The Office

The Office by Hawk offers a roomy blind that bowhunters will love. It’s crafted with steel surfaces inside and out. With foam sound dampening panels, the overall design helps manage both scent and sound. Overall, the blind measures 6 x 6.5 feet. It comes assembled and field ready. MSRP is $3,999.99 to $4,599.99, depending on the selected package. It features a limited lifetime warranty.

Muddy Steel Bull Box Blind

The Muddy Steel Bull Box Blind is another incredible selection. It helps manage noise, scent, and even thermals. It features four-layer Therma Tek wall paneling technology. Steel friction hinges on the four vertical glass windows make for easier opening and closing. Magnetic strips on the horizontal and vertical windows makes using the curtain kit a breeze. Overall, the interior of the blind measures 6 feet (long) by 6 feet (wide) by 6.5 feet (tall). The blind weighs 494 pounds (without the platform). It’s made in the USA. MSRP is $2,999.99.