How far from a water source in the mountains can you expect to find Mule deer? I am studying maps of some remote mountain areas. One of the areas I like seems to be around 1.25 miles in any direction to a water source of any kind. I was wondering if that would reduce the number of mule deer. I do not know how far mule deer travel for water. I do not see any draws that might hold water. There is a flat area kind of like a pass between to ridge lines. I zoomed in and do not see anything that looks to hold water. Is this something to have concern about?
Water question?
- Thread starter Yell Co AR Hunter
- Start date
JimP
Administrator
Mule deer can and will get a lot of their water from the plant materials that they eat and off of the dew in the mornings. I have been in areas that are a good 2 miles from any type of water and the deer just stay in that one area. They will drink if there is water available and I have seen them shy away from nice clear running water to drink out of a muddy pool of water in the middle of the road.
As for the maps of our western states and seeing what you think is water, most of these blue lines will only have water running through them during the spring run off or a heavy rain. Other than that they are drier than popcorn farts.
As for the maps of our western states and seeing what you think is water, most of these blue lines will only have water running through them during the spring run off or a heavy rain. Other than that they are drier than popcorn farts.
2 miles is what I've had multiple biologist tell me. The thing that you'll never know until you get there is the small unseen water springs that exist, but aren't shown on a map.
I've found small weeps coming from rocks that crate a mud puddle the size of a truck hood in the damndest places. Those are the ones you double mark so you never forget.
I've found small weeps coming from rocks that crate a mud puddle the size of a truck hood in the damndest places. Those are the ones you double mark so you never forget.
Bonecollector
Veteran member
There are multiple water sources in many areas that guys will walk right by without knowing. These are not found on maps, but many, not all, can be found by burning boot leather or glassing. As JimP mentioned, they can survive off the morning dew and plant moisture. But in all honesty, 2 miles is about as far as I've also heard a deer will stray from water...
IMO it also depends on the time of year. I've been on scouting hikes mid-June and seen muleys literally standing in streams when I interrupted their drinking. But when rifle seasons kick off they can be anywhere they feel safe, and water isn't what drives their behavior.
That's not the case with elk BTW, which still drink every day so water sources are good places to stake out. Of course they can also walk 30mi in a day so...
That's not the case with elk BTW, which still drink every day so water sources are good places to stake out. Of course they can also walk 30mi in a day so...
dirtclod Az.
Veteran member
Deer will go a long way for water,2 miles is a walk in the park for them.
I've hunted areas with no water,they just hike to the water... well over 2 miles and return.
Az. this is done at night or early in the am.
I've hunted areas with no water,they just hike to the water... well over 2 miles and return.
Az. this is done at night or early in the am.
my thought is ,in the mtns there are very few places that are to dry for a deer to reside in. desert may be a different story but imo , in the mtns ,while it is always nice/helpful to know where your prey is getting their water, it is not a major factor ,when I decide where I wish to hunt.
sure less water might mean less deer . but ……… IF you are after the big boys,more deer doesn't mean better hunting.
if you are after the big boys , seeing hundreds of does , matters little , unless you are hunting the rut.
imo , knowing the water sources is more valuable for keeping me hydrated . the deer can thrive most anywhere.
sure less water might mean less deer . but ……… IF you are after the big boys,more deer doesn't mean better hunting.
if you are after the big boys , seeing hundreds of does , matters little , unless you are hunting the rut.
imo , knowing the water sources is more valuable for keeping me hydrated . the deer can thrive most anywhere.