Deer seek out water during the hot summer months just like we do. Having a water system on your property can help shape summer deer patterns to bring them to your property and keep them there until the fall hunting season. Check out this week’s blog, below, to learn how water shapes summer deer patterns across regions.
They Lose Water More Quickly
Deer lose their internal water storage more quickly in the summer months because it evaporates through their urine, droppings and through the panting they do to cool themselves off. Deer need roughly two or three quarts of water for every 100 pounds of their weight, so a consistent water source helps them replenish their levels quickly and efficiently.
It Makes the Deer Patternable
The need for frequent water stops makes the deer herd’s summer routine very patternable. They’ll focus their food sources and bedding areas close enough to water sources so that they can visit them every day. Position your water source on your property in an ideal location for your Stump blind so that you can be set up right near the action in the fall.
How Does it Differ Between Regions
In dry areas like the southern states, water is much harder to find, so deer will stay as close as 100 yards away from a water source in the summer.
In wetter climates like the Midwest and northern states, deer will be able to find dew and water on plants without even needing to visit a creek, but even those dewy plants will dry up in July and August, so the deer will be forced to seek out water sources these next couple months.
In mountainous areas, the deer will follow the mountains down to drink from creeks at the bottom of valleys.
Add Wild Water Mineral Supplements for more Consistency
As Mossy Oak notes, Wild Water Mineral Supplements create a dependency to the source that’s undeniable. The minerals contain salt, calcium, manganese, copper and zinc which are vital nutrients for a deer’s health. The salt makes the water addicting, so they’ll come back to use it as frequently as they would a food source.
Big Tanks
Our Wild Water Systems can hold up to 300 gallons of water, which means you can keep multiple deer hydrated without having to refill the water tank frequently. The Wild Water 300 comes with two water troughs, each 3-feet long, so you can accommodate the entire herd at once. The valves of the tank release water automatically when it senses the troughs need filled and close automatically when it senses the troughs are full.
You can use our Wild Water Bladder, which holds 100 gallons of water, to fill the tank in three easy trips. Our other systems hold 50 gallons and 100 gallons, so you can fill those in one trip. The bladder is $50 off at $249.99 at the time of this blog.
As always, check your local regulations to make sure supplemental feeding is legal in your area.
Our Wild Water Systems can be a great help in bringing deer to your property and keeping them there all summer into the fall deer hunting season. Giving them a consistent water source now will help shape their patterns to benefit your hunt. How do you use water systems to shape summer deer patterns in your area? Let us know in the comments below!





Summer Blind Prep: Brush-In Tips Before the Fall Rush