Watering hole

[StickersNKickers]

For anyone that has or is thinking about adding a watering hole/pond as an attraction to a stand location, what is your opinion on minimum size and depth? Flexible liner (i.e. plastic/vinyl sheeting, tarp) or solid tank/pool? Thanks!

 

[smithhunter1975]

I used a skidsteer to make one at my last farm. It was probably about 20’ long, 6 or 7’ wide, and about 3.5’ deep. The deer used it pretty well, but i never witnessed (in person or trail cam) any bucks getting completely in it to cool off during the rut like i had been told.

 

[gunrunr]

Same here, dug one with skidloader, Currently probably 5' deep and plenty big for a watering hole. Didnt line it with anything yet, we'll see how it holds water this fall.
Last year it was pretty dry and never got a ton of use but it has plenty of water now and has deer on it daily.

 

[EatSleepHunt]

A water hole was a game changer at my place. These are pictures of the first year I put it in. A drought year around here.
I love sitting in the water hole stand on a warm sunny day late November!

 

[Bucksnbears]

No doubt, a waterhole can be HUGE especially during a dry year.
Great pics.

 

[2.5YR8]

Are you guys not concerned with these being a breeding ground for EHD?

 

[Daver]

Are you guys not concerned with these being a breeding ground for EHD?

I have thought about it...but my "watering hole" pond has fairly steep banks and therefore, even in drought conditions, there isn't a lot of exposed mud. I have certainly had drought over the years, but have yet to detect where we have lost much due to EHD. So I am aware, but not overly concerned.