Has anyone built a homemade water trough for deer/wildlife where you dont have access to running water ? Pics ? Plans ? I am aware of the commercial versions and those that TPWD have at Black Gap, but I was hoping someone has come up with a more economical plan and has some pics.

I have seen some made with old bathtubs with old tin roofing around them to catch the rain.

There is a long post on this on the Texas bowhunter board in the DIY section. Lots of good info. I am going to build one using 2 275 gallon water totes, a 55 gallon barrel cut in half for the trough and a 20X20 sheetmetal catchment that drains into the trough. TPW website has a lot of drawings and ideas.

Wellingtontx - email sent with attachment for Harveting Rainwater for Wildlife

Have a good one!

Thanks kyotee for the info.

I have a design for one in my head. Hopefully I can get some gov. money to put a couple in. My design uses a 36" or 24" joint of A/C water line. The inlet side had a storm drain lid and a concrete apron. The outlet side has a butterfy valve, sloped trough and concrete apron. There are other designs cheaper, but my grandchildren will enjoy the benefits.



It can be mostly pre fabricated and only needs a shallow ditch. Placed in a draw one good rain would provide water for weeks if not months. Two men and a backhoe could install one in half a day.

Here's one I built recently, has been working good and the deer, turkey and other wildlife have taken to it pretty well.