BLM has installed two gravity feed drinker systems east of Roswell NM at an elevation of 3800 ft. The water source for these drinkers are 6000 gallon storage tanks with 40' x 20' catchments. These large capacity systems provide a long-term, consistent supply of water for mule-deer, pronghorn and various high desert wildlife. (Note: Drinkers are mounted about 4-6 inches out of the ground. This reduces the amount of dirt being blown into drinker) Photos courtesy of Randy Howard BLM, NM.
Six DT-1000 were installed at various location on the Kaibab Paiute reservation in Arizona. Sites generally consisted of sandy soil. To minimize disturbance to the surrounding environment, guzzlers were carried to the final site and holes were carefully dug by hand. Game cameras have been put into place to monitor wildlife activity. Photos Courtesy of Danny Bullets Jr and Kaibab Paiute Tribe AZ.
Trough-250's have been framed in with cider blocks to accommodate constant use by horses or other large animals. Animals can easily drink over the side yet are prevented from working on the trough and stepping into the trough. Plans for the block frame are available for download on the Trough-250 web page. Photos courtesy of Dan Price.
Trough-250's located in Arizona. Each trough has two sets of threaded fittings to allow the tanks to be connected in series. The float valve is located on the last tank. Photos courtesy of Bill Conway AZ.
The Cat Creek water storage tank is 48 ft in diameter and 6 ft deep. BLM biologist Bruce Schoeberl determined that positioning three deep tanks ramps would provide bats, birds and wildlife a safe exit from the tank.
This guzzler is located on McGregor Range which encompasses over 606,000 acres of co-managed by BLM and the US Army (Ft. Bliss) in south-central New Mexico. The BLM manages the natural resources and the Army uses the area as an active training area. The reflective posts you see in the background are in place to warn soldiers of the guzzler's location so they can avoid driving tanks or other military vehicles over the guzzler. These oryx or gemsbok were introduced from Africa to the White Sands Missile Range in the 1960s by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to provide a unique hunting opportunity in the state. They have since expanded their range throughout southern New Mexico and into far west Texas.
Photos and commentary courtsey of Steven Torrez, BLM Wildlife Biologist, Las Cruces NM
This conservation easement in Lander Wyoming has installed several Drinker-110's to provide water to antelope, deer and bird. The drinkers are connected to a underground water line and will be drained in the winter time to avoid freezing issues. Photos courtsey of Carolyn Orr.
This remote guzzler installation was a joint effort between White River National Forest and Colorado Parks & Wildlife personnel. The project included the demolition of a non-functional, 20 year old guzzler in Dry Fork Kimball Creek. To prepare the site, they cut, sprayed, and removed the brush and trees all around the guzzler to improve sight distances for sheep and allow helicopter removal of the old guzzler.
Huge thank you's go to Kim Potter & Natasha Goedert (WRNF) for the planning, money and chemicals; to Rifle White River fire crew for their incredibly efficient brush and timber removal and willingness to change plans on the fly, and to Ivan, Levi, Layton, and Travis (CPW) for packing all the materials in and helping with demolition and brush removal. It was a fun, gnat-free day!
Thank you Stephanie Durno, Wildlife Biologist, Grand Junction CO for the coordination, pictures and commentary!
This 52 ft diameter, 8 ft deep water storage tank, located 60 miles outside of Boise, is known as the Ant Hill water tank. The Bruneau field office of the BLM determined that due to the large large size, positioning three deep tank escape ramp systems would provide birds, bats and critters a safe means of escape if trapped in the tank. Theses ramps will intercept stranded animals swimming in either direction and give them an easy way out of the tank.
Project supervised by Bruce Schoeberl, BLM Wildlife Biologist, Bruneau Idaho Field Office
Los Alamos National Labs placed a 1000 gallon guzzler to support the deer and wildlife in the desert area of New Mexico. In the dry periods, the guzzler tanks is filled by a water truck to maintain a consistant source of water.
Several Drinker-110’s are installed in the Waimea Canyon area primarily for pheasant re-population but are also used by quail and geese. The Dept of Land & Natural Resources is now expanding it’s use of drinkers throughout the island of Kauai.
The BLM in New Mexico has installed 5 Drinker-110’s. Both in-ground and above ground. Pictures courtesy of Joshua Freeman,Wildlife Biologist
This in-ground installation is plumbed on a water line and also incorporates “heat riser pipe” for ice prevention. Pictures courtesy of Shlomo Freiman.
This California reserve has been focusing on oak woodland restoration and removal of invasive eucalyptus trees. Drinkers and guzzlers are fed by a 1100 gallon tank with a 120 sq ft collection roof system.
The Mescalero Conservation Area uses Drinkers and Guzzlers as a way to encourage the elk population to remain in areas away from busy roads and highways.
This 10,000 gallon system enhances a 4500 acre habitat area (1.5 miles). It is a deer wintering range and desert bighorn sheep area on the edge of the Kanab Canyon, approximately 35 miles south of Fredonia, AZ. The cooperators for this project are Kaibab National Forest, AZ Game and Fish Department and the AZ Desert Bighorn Sheep Society.
Notice how this particular drinker is built into the side-hill and landscape to blend into the environment.
This guzzler is 50% below ground, 50% above. The main concern is to support the sidewalls so that they do not bulge from the water pressure. You can also support the side with timer or railroad ties if needed.
US Fish & Wildlife, along with Friends of Midway have established a recovery program for the endangered Laysan Duck, endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
This site was located in a remote area without access by 4-wheel drive vehicles. Guzzler was transported by ATV. Water is pumped by a solar power well.
