Whitetail deer are patternable by nature. To hold deer on a property, they require food, water, and bedding. The most effective way to increase deer movement is to set up high traffic areas on your property in a way that funnels deer to these three important features. Food plots and bedding areas are often used, but water is often overlooked because property owners figure deer find water somewhere. However, it is much more beneficial to put a water source in proximity to a food source or bedding area. Deer have been proven to go to man-made water sources over natural ones when positioned near or between a food source and bedding area since deer do not have to use as much energy.

Community locations for deer are another way people try to attract deer to their preferred hunting area. Community scrapes, rubbing posts, and vine licks are just a few popular ways for deer to communicate with each other year-round. Come closer to the rut, these deer will use these sites way more as bucks search for does. Water sources such as smaller man-made ponds will turn into a regular stop for bucks searching for does as each time deer stop for a drink they are leaving behind scent.

We know there are lots of different containers you can use as a watering hole. However, there are things we have done specifically to make deer use our pond more but also make installation and maintenance easier. First, the shallow design. We made our tub about a foot deep because it is much easier to install, but also if you ever need to move or dig it up, getting water out is much easier. The shallow design also makes deer more comfortable when drinking. Deer do not like their visibility blocked. So, when they lean down for a drink, their eyes are still scanning for potential threats. This is why deep tubs that require deer to get lower often deter deer as water levels decrease. Finally, the built-in stairs allow for rodents to escape without you having to add a log or stick. This keeps water cleaner and keeps additional obstructions from deterring deer.