Apparently you can lead an elk to water…and make it drink after all. Photos and video clips provide the proof of a successful wildlife water guzzler installation project on the grounds of the Fort Hunter Liggett (FHL) U.S. Army base in arid southern California.
A $15,000 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation grant coupled with funds raised via FHL hunting and fishing conservation fees paid for two 3,000-gallon tanks, two stainless steel drinkers and other needed hardware and materials. The stand-alone “water holes” collect rainwater in an apron and then funnel it to a tank which feeds water to a drinker. The guzzler gizmos benefit elk, deer, bobcats, coyotes and a variety of other animal and bird species. In addition, the new water supplies help reduce big game traffic hazards and road kills.
Fort Hunter Liggett is home to 55,000 acres of tule elk habitat including a herd numbering 450-500 or approximately 10 percent of California’s tule elk population.