Waterhole Set-up

eagle_eye · Aug 21, 2007

I am wondering what the best way to set-up on a waterhole is. I would prefer to not utilize a treestand. The area I'm archery hunting has a good population of elk and deer and is unpressured. It is also an area with little water except for the cattle tanks. I know that the area holds some out-of-the-way waterholes. What is the best way to set up on them? Common sense says downwind side (if there is one) of where most of the traffic is coming from, and building a ground blind from the available foliage/sage. How far away from the water should I set up? Will cow calling help the first week of Sept.?

I feel with how dry it is, the number of elk/deer, no pressure, and relatively no water, my best shot is hunting water.

Any suggestions?

sremim · Aug 21, 2007

I'd build a ground blind as close to the water as possible without getting in the way of the travel route, or looking too unnatural. Depending on the size of the tank, you may want to build one where you have a shot all around it. Not sure I'd worry about trying to call too much hunting water, as they will come if thirsty whether or not they think another elk is there.

It's Bush's fault!!!

buncoboy · Aug 21, 2007

Best thing you could do is take me with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

slamdunk · Aug 21, 2007

I'll have to agree with sremim on this one.
Get as close as possible and make your blind look at natural as possible. Remember one thing about making a blind though, those animals have been using that same water hole for a couple months by now, and going in this close to the hunt and making a change will surely bring their attention. It's really similar to your kitchen in your home. You'd surely notice right off the bat if someone moved the table or rearranged it somehow after it's been a certain way for a long time. Just having the wind in your face and having a good back drop to blend you in, is usually sufficiant.
And as sremim said, refrain from calling at a water hole. If you do, they'll KNOW something is there and come in looking for you and they'll be weary. The idea behind water hole hunting (IMO) is letting it be as natural as possible, let the animal kill himself by making the mistake of coming to water while your sitting there with an arrow knocked.
Also, be careful drawing your bow, never trust his eyes when he's drinking. Be patient and let him look around and turn his head....then stick him!!

acorn · Aug 21, 2007

I have set up pop up blinds for the first time and had elk 15 yards from me. Just stay quiet and wait.. When they get to the last 20 yards they usually walk right into the water to cool off and wallow for a minute.

Acorn

eagle_eye · Aug 22, 2007

Any idea on when the best time to sit a waterhole is. The country is not steep, semi-timbered, and, like I said, completely unpressured. I'm not sure I can sit in one place for 14 hours straight. Sorry, never hunted over water before, but I just think it would be my best shot.

Also, is hunting a waterhole a good tactic for deer as well?

DallanC · Aug 22, 2007

Dress up like a trailcam and stand next to a tree.

-DallanC

acorn · Aug 22, 2007

I will usually get in my blind around 3 p.m. I chase em around in a.m. Sit in p.m. Especially when it is hot during the day. It also varies if the sun goes down before they get all the way down to the tank. Sometimes you may need to sit a little farther up towards their beds and intercept em. I like sitting water because you will see all wildlife coming into water.

Acorn

sremim · Aug 22, 2007

i would stay at least until 11:00am and be back by 2:30/3:00. I've seen more animals water late in the morning and early in the afternoon than I have right at dawn or dusk. When you feel like its time to get up, wait a half hour. I can't tell you how many times I've jumped something because I felt it was time to go, only to discover an extra 5-10 minutes would have made a difference.

It's Bush's fault!!!