waterhole hunting in january

[couesdeerhntr]

Was wondering if it would still be good to sit on water in january during the rut and maybe catch some bucks chasin the does to water?

[coues hunter]

Sitting water is not going to be as successfull as it would be in the summer. I personally would recommend spot and stalk tactics. In january you can glass bucks all day long. Allways use the wind and approach from above whenever possible. You get some action everyday and its so much sweeter when you are successfull.

[AZLance]

depends on the year..., if it is dry like this year is so far, it would be a good bet. We used to sit clients on waterholes down in 36c in Jan. for the archery season, with some luck. We would spend the morning glassing and trying our luck at spot and stalk, but come 10am we would go sit them at a tank until late afternoon. The Coues deer usually come to water between 11am and 3pm.

[DesertBull]

I don't know about Jan. but it's supposed to be 80 degrees tomorrow. I'll be in the blind at a new spring I found.

[WHALE]

The Coues deer usually come to water between 11am and 3pm.

+1 I have noticed this more and more

[bear402]

As Lance said, it depends on the year.

 

If it's dry and the water is more limited, sitting a tank with a good cover approach is a good bet. The amount and the freshness of tracks on the bank will be a good indicator how many bucks are hittiing it.

 

I'm always prepared to throw up a blind under the right circumstances. From my observations, If the bucks are following the does , they'll hang back to see if it's safe and then come in fast when they decide it's ok.

 

IMO, it's more fun to spot and stalk, but blinds can work well too.

[coocoo4coues]

They'll be chasing those does in January. I've even had luck calling/rattling 'em in. Find a good hot spot to call from, and get ready! Good luck.