Not a right or wrong answer, and I am sure there are a wide range of varying opinions. Regardless of your opinion towards hunting over bait(pro, indifferent, or con) is hunting over a strategically placed small water hole the same as, better, or worse than hunting over a feeder? I’ve been wanting to do this project for several years and finally did it. I strung and buried over a half mile of 1/2” line and put this tank in an area void of water. I could have put it anywhere in the general area, but I chose to place it exactly 25 yards in a shooting lane of an existing stand set up between a primary bedding area and a primary feeding area (wheat and alfalfa fields). The 2’x6’ oval tank was also a deliberate and thought out decision and placed so I have a better chance of a broadside shot as opposed to a round tank or larger one. It is tied to an existing water source and on a timer so water stays fresh and full everyday. I think it will be quite effective, especially early season. So am I to be congratulated for enhancing the habitat for all the wildlife in the area or judged poorly for exploiting their need for water in a semi arid and hot area? ‘I could make argument either way, but I am hunting it regardless, lol Thoughts?
I have put in some water holes and they definitely work for drawing in wildlife. I have a 1.5 acre pond and some creeks on the farm and deer still hit the water holes I have around daily. They definitely help more when water is less available. Everyone does stuff differently, as long as it’s legal in the state you’re in go for it. I have zero shame shooting deer over water whether it’s man made or natural.
Good lord no. You put in a lot of time and effort to make that happen. Tons of wildlife will utilize that water source and benefit from it. On rare occasion, one will be taken off of it and put into the freezer for your family to enjoy eating. I'd have absolutely zero guilt about that. While I do always feel a little pang of sadness when I first walk up to an animal I've shot, shooting one off a water setup like that would not even be on my radar of feeling guilty about.
It’s no different than a food plot, IMO… not sure why anyone would have an issue with it Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
man made watering holes are a great idea. Good for various wildlife, of course deer included .... hunting these is no different than food plots .... go for it .....
I think they are great myself. A few years ago I put two out. Not as nice as yours. They worked really well and I surprised at how much they used them. I just put out two of those small plastic totes from Dollar General One at each end of my smallest field. I’d fill they the water tank on the back of my tractor on Monday & Thursday. You did a great job on yours. I got a ton of pictures and seen a lot of them. If it gets dry here again in October I’ll do the same thing. Hoyt Helix Hoyt RX1 Hoyt Carbon Spyder ZT
I see nothin wrong either. I was thinking about doing something similar, but I was concerned about the water going stagnant. So, the timer is attached to a small pump to run for a certain amount of time? Is the supply from a home or just a pond?
No different that hunting a small pond or a creek system. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
A farmer left a few barrels out by the barns, animals come by on dry days, I may sink a few out there. Sent from my iPad using Bowhunting .com Forums
Wouldn’t have an issue hunting over it. luckily i been able to improve existing water sources on our properties versus having to make an artificial one. I think I would try to make a water sauce that was self sustaining. If I did maybe drill a well with pump ect
