Does anyone know much much water a deer drinks in a day, or a week? The reason I ask is because of the cold weather coming. Last year we got a terribly cold spell that last for about a month. All our ponds froze up and at some points the river was even froze in some places. I’m curious of what deer do in times like these. I know farmers run water troughs with heaters in them for their cattle, does anyone do the same for deer? Any other tips?
Winter Water sources
- Thread starter Mitch123
- Start date
HB_Hunter
Well-Known Member
When I was getting ready to go elk hunting I read that they have to have water every day. According to the article, deer don’t. I read another article that said mature bucks drink 3-5 times a day (realtree website).
My guess is they know where to get water. I would assume springs/rivers.
My guess is they know where to get water. I would assume springs/rivers.
dogghr
Well-Known Member
I think woods deer tend to get most their water needs from what they eat. I have 2 creeks, a water hole , and 2 small ponds. I've kept cameras on them in past and see almost no usuage even in drought years.. Now they do love to eat what grows in and around them for sure. And with this record wet year they certainly just need to look up to drink all the water they need. Or they could nibble on the 2 ft of snow thats on the ground this past week. But I do know some areas of the country get a lot of usage of water holes. Your Pendleton county is more in the Shale barrens of WV so you might see more usage.
catscratch
Well-Known Member
Deer seem to do fine when everything is frozen over but I have experimented a little with keeping water open. A couple of winters ago I put a battery powered aerator in one of my little deer ponds. It kept it open until the batteries died (in sub 20 degree weather). I don't know if deer visited it or not.
Very true, can’t dig a hole without getting into rocks and some marcellus shale is some parts. We set up cameras on some of our water holes and they get heavy use most of the yesr.
