Creating a watering hole

[werner.reiche]

Isn't there a pile of legal hoops to jump through to build a pond/watering hole on your property? Would it be worth the hassle?

I don't think so. If you are damming a stream to make it - likely there is. But just digging a hole? I wouldn't expect there to be.

[FishHog]

No deserts though. Ontario - even in farm country - has a lot of water. Also, during summer/fall, deer don't need to drink a lot of water - they get it from the browse they are eating.

I wasn’t implying deer are dying of thirst but a waterhole can be an advantage in small areas.

[Pioneerfreq]

When bucks are rutting, they don't care about food but they do so much running around they need water. If you don't believe this, watch Justin Hoffman's video from last year of a big buck laying down in water to cool off after fighting. An old guy once told me "No weeds, no walleye. No water, no deer." I created a pond on my property this year about 15 feet in diameter in an area that is typically wet but no water on the surface. Since digging, it filled in and has stayed full. Whether or not it makes a difference, time will tell but what's the down side? Worse case, I attract some woodies? Wouldn't that be a shame?! I'll be setting up a camera there soon.