Second year archery hunter looking for a little advice on how to tackle this one.
While out hunting this morning I came across a man made water source (private property) that looks to be about the only water source for quite some distance. It's basically a large metal tub placed below a natural spring drip to collect the water Water source was down in drainage in some pretty thick stuff, that looked like a prime bedding area. Lots of sign all around, and a fair amount of flattened lay areas. My question is, is it common for deer, fairly sure they are mule deer as it's pretty steep/rough terrain around 3,300 ft elevation or so, to bed down so close to a water source? I figured maybe this is just a lay site where they hang out during the day. Put my only trail cam over the area in hopes that I can figure it out, but hoping someone might be able to offer some thoughts on this until I can get back there to get the card.
Also what are thoughts on whether or not to put a mineral block or apples near the site? Not sure if they tend to eat and drink at the same location. if there is a bedding site nearby, would this blow my chances. Was thinking of setting up a stand near one of the access points in hopes of sticking one while he is on his way in or out.
