ProWater Source Analysis
Every land animal needs water daily. During hot weather, drought conditions, or the rut when deer are in constant motion, water sources become the most predictable attractors on the landscape. ProHunt maps all surface water — permanent and seasonal — so you can identify watering holes before you walk the property.
Types of Water Sources Mapped
| Type | Description | Hunting Value |
|---|---|---|
| Perennial rivers and streams | Year-round flowing water | Year-round travel corridor; excellent during any weather |
| Seasonal streams | Flowing in wet season, dry in summer | High value during wet periods; plan accordingly |
| Ponds and lakes | Standing water bodies | Consistent; deer drink from pond edges and nearby seeps |
| Springs and seeps | Groundwater emergence points | Often produce reliable water when surface water is dry |
| Wetlands and marshes | Saturated soil areas with standing water | Duck and wading bird habitat; thermal regulation for deer in heat |
| Agricultural water | Stock ponds, irrigation ditches | High use by deer especially during drought |
Reading Water Features for Stand Placement
Water sources are most valuable as stand sites under specific conditions:
- Early archery season (warm weather) — deer are stressed by heat and drought. Water sources see consistent morning and evening use. A stand 30-50 metres downwind of a water source is one of the most reliable setups of the season.
- Drought conditions — when surface water becomes scarce, deer concentrate around remaining sources. A single spring in a dry landscape can draw deer from kilometres away.
- The rut — bucks running does through the rut will check water sources repeatedly. A water source between bedding and feeding areas is prime rut territory.
A tiny spring or seep in dry terrain is a better stand site than a large river where deer can access water anywhere along its entire length. Small, isolated water sources concentrate deer movement at a predictable location.
Using the Water Layer
Enable the Water Sources layer from the Layers panel. Water features are colour-coded blue with different line weights for major vs minor waterways. Zoom in to reveal smaller streams and seasonal features that are not visible at higher zoom levels.
Combine the water layer with:
- LiDAR — identify terrain depressions and drainage paths where water collects even if it does not appear as a named water feature
- Satellite imagery — verify whether a mapped water feature is currently dry or contains water (seasonal variability)
- Weather history — check recent precipitation to assess whether seasonal streams are likely to be flowing
Marking Private Water
For water sources on your hunting property that are not in the public database (a private stock pond, a developed spring box), add a Waypoint with the Water category icon. Private waypoints are only visible to you and your team — they do not appear in the public map database.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How current is the water source data?
- Mapped water features come from established hydrological map data. Seasonal and temporary water is shown where the underlying data records it, but actual presence varies with rainfall. Always verify current water presence with satellite imagery or by checking on the ground.
- Can I mark a water source I found on foot that is not on the map?
- Yes. Drop a Waypoint at the location. Optional: use the Contribute button to submit it for inclusion in the public map database after verification.
Related Features
- LiDAR — identify terrain drainage for unmarked water collection points
- AI Heatmaps — Pro probability overlay to combine with water-focused scouting
- Waypoints — mark private water sources
- Weather — precipitation data to assess seasonal water levels