The question just hit me. No plans or opinions either way, just wondering.

I don't think so, at least not here, deer drink from stock tanks all the time.

My guess would be no, unless you add salt or minerals to the water!

I would bet that in some states there might be hunting law verbage that would deem it illegal. Not natural, etc.

Are salt and minerals considered bait in Illinois?

not in mississippi or anywhere else that i've heard of ... call your state wildlife department

Yes it is.

Yes Mizzou, you can not legally use salt or minerals to attract deer to hunt over. All the local stores sell mineral blocks for deer and I'm sure some hunters are fooled by the notion that if it is sold here it must be legal. Wrong!

Dang, that's tough. Here in Missouri salt and minerals can be used year round. As for feed, if it's grown on the spot as in a food plot, it's also fine year round. It's only food brought in, such as what you'd use in a feeder, that must be removed 10 days prior to the season opening.

check with your local wildlife agency,
might be provided for in regs,
usually if its not permament like a food plot, its considered baiting,
a man made pond might be legal, a water tank might not,