Are you Providing your Deer with Enough Water?

[jimy101]

While it is certainly no secret that whitetail deer require a water source, it is important to make certain that you are providing your herd with enough water on a daily basis. During extremely warm weather, it is crucial to ensure that the deer on your property are able to find a sufficient amount of water for survival. Water requirements for whitetail deer will typically vary based on the health of the deer, the local climate, and available food sources. Young deer or does that are lactating may also require more water.



Whitetail deer are not usually choosy when it comes to available water sources. A trough will work just as well as a pond or a creek. Even a mud puddle will suffice. In fact, a tucked-away water source is often an excellent choice for does with young fawns.



Although whitetail deer do need water, they can go for surprisingly long periods of time without any water. One of the reasons for this is that they are capable of digesting it directly or even obtaining it from succulent plants. Overall; however, it is important to make sure that you provide one permanent water source for every square mile of your property.

[LongSpur39]

A very good tip a lot of people overlook. Fortunately our property and the neighbors property have both ponds and natural springs which we call seeps. We dig the seeps out around July especially if its hot and dry here. In the part of the country that I live in there's very little chance of whitetails to die of dehydration. But another overlooked aspect of the need for water. Is during the rut. Once the prerut kicks in and all the way through breeding deer need water. Especially bucks! Thanks for sharing a tip that doesn't get a whole lot of attention.

[JerseyHunter]

Jan 31, 2014 6:09:41 GMT -5 jimy101 said:

While it is certainly no secret that whitetail deer require a water source, it is important to make certain that you are providing your herd with enough water on a daily basis. During extremely warm weather, it is crucial to ensure that the deer on your property are able to find a sufficient amount of water for survival. Water requirements for whitetail deer will typically vary based on the health of the deer, the local climate, and available food sources. Young deer or does that are lactating may also require more water.



Whitetail deer are not usually choosy when it comes to available water sources. A trough will work just as well as a pond or a creek. Even a mud puddle will suffice. In fact, a tucked-away water source is often an excellent choice for does with young fawns.



Although whitetail deer do need water, they can go for surprisingly long periods of time without any water. One of the reasons for this is that they are capable of digesting it directly or even obtaining it from succulent plants. Overall; however, it is important to make sure that you provide one permanent water source for every square mile of your property.

Great tip.

[Kt29]

Good tips here. Out this way, we have plenty water year round. Heavy snows and wolves are the biggest detriment to our herds.