DIY Wildlife Guzzler

By PJ DelHomme

How to Build an Affordable Water System for Deer and Other Wildlife

Water is one of the most critical resources for wildlife management on any property. When natural water sources dry up during summer months, deer and other wildlife must travel to find water—often leaving your property entirely. A do-it-yourself (DIY) wildlife guzzler offers an effective, budget-friendly solution, helping you maintain wildlife habitat year-round. This guide walks you through the process of building your own wildlife watering system at a fraction of the cost of commercial alternatives.

Why Water Matters for Wildlife

Trail camera footage set up over a water hole reveals a variety of animals that visit water sources daily. From deer and turkey to smaller mammals and birds, water attracts diversity to your land. Without consistent water access, wildlife will disperse to neighboring properties where there is water.

If you want to keep deer on your property, you need year-round water, especially in the fall. You want deer and other wildlife to understand they have everything they need right on your property.

The critical period typically begins in late spring to early summer (May/June) when seasonal water sources start drying up. Installing a wildlife guzzler before this period ensures continuous wildlife presence on your property.

The DIY Approach

Companies offer ready-made wildlife watering systems, but their cost can be prohibitive for many landowners. A DIY guzzler provides the same function at a significantly reduced price point, making it accessible for nearly any budget. The system described here costs a fraction of commercial units but delivers identical benefits.

Materials for Your DIY Wildlife Guzzler

To build an effective wildlife guzzler, you’ll need the following things:

1. 300-Gallon Black Holding Tank: The black color is crucial as it blocks UV light, preventing algae growth. The tank should be positioned to allow for gravity-fed water flow.
2. PVC Fittings: Select fittings that match your tank’s outlet (typically 2″ or 2.5″).
3. Shutoff Valve: This allows you to control water flow and perform maintenance without draining the entire system.
4. 50-Foot Garden Hose: Connects the tank to the trough, providing flexibility in placement.
5. Stock Tank Float: A standard float valve from a farm supply store (like Tractor Supply) automatically maintains water levels.
6. 25-Gallon Water Trough: A smaller trough reduces water waste while providing adequate capacity for visiting wildlife.

Installation Guide: Setting Up Your Wildlife Guzzler

The installation process is straightforward, making this project accessible even for those with limited construction experience.

1. Position the Tank: Place your 300-gallon tank at a height that allows gravity flow. Ensure it is accessible for refilling with a water truck or portable tank.
2. Connect Fittings: Install the PVC fittings and shutoff valve to the tank’s outlet.
3. Run the Hose: Connect your garden hose from the tank to the location where you’ll place the trough.
4. Set Up the Trough: Position the 25-gallon trough in a wildlife-friendly location, preferably with some natural cover nearby.
5. Install the Float Valve: Mount the stock tank float to maintain water levels and prevent overflow automatically.
6. Add Safety Features: Place wooden boards or sticks inside the trough to create escape routes for small animals that might fall in.

Once installed, the system operates like this: water gravity feeds from the main tank through the hose to the trough. The float valve automatically stops the flow when the trough is full, conserving water while maintaining a constant supply for wildlife.

Wildlife Safety and Water Conservation

Two important considerations will make your guzzler more effective and wildlife friendly.  First, place wooden boards, branches, or similar materials inside the trough to create escape routes for birds, mice, and other small animals. This prevents drowning and keeps the water clean. If you get a bird that flies in there trying to get some water, a mouse, or any sort of animal that can’t get out, it will die and contaminate the water.

Second, you want to reduce evaporation. In hot, dry conditions, evaporation can quickly deplete your water supply. Cover portions of the trough with branches or a partial lid to minimize this. You can also create a “runway” of sticks leading to the water’s edge and reduce the exposed surface area of the water. These simple steps significantly extend the time between refills, making your system more efficient.

Strategic Placement for Maximum Effectiveness

The location of your wildlife guzzler dramatically impacts its effectiveness. Consider a few basic guidelines. A guzzler will likely see heavy use if no natural water source is within half a mile of your hunting area. Place the system near established game trails or between bedding and feeding areas. Provide some natural cover nearby to help wildlife feel secure while drinking. Ensure the location allows for relatively easy access for maintenance and refilling.

System Capacity and Maintenance

With a 300-gallon main tank and a 25-gallon trough, this system provides substantial water capacity that can last extended periods, depending on wildlife density and weather conditions. The float valve ensures you maintain 20-25 gallons of accessible water until the main tank empties.

Maintenance requirements are minimal, but there are a few things you will need to do, like refilling the main tank. You may need to occasionally clean the trough to remove debris and winterize it in colder climates to prevent damage.

If you’re looking for even less maintenance, there are some alternatives for different circumstances. In areas with significant rainfall, digging a small pond with a liner can create a natural-looking water source. Rain catchment systems can supplement your main tank by collecting rainwater from structures. Solar-powered pumps can also be an option in locations where gravity feed isn’t possible.

A DIY wildlife guzzler is a high-value addition to any property management strategy. Providing this essential resource will increase wildlife activity and potentially improve hunting opportunities. With minimal investment and a few hours of work, you can create a system that will benefit countless wildlife species and enhance your property’s ecosystem for years to come.

Watch Land Management – How to Improve Your Hunting Property

PJ DelHomme writes and edits content from western Montana. He runs Crazy Canyon Media and Crazy Canyon Journal.