ysiological state and amount of activity. The amount of free water consumed is inversely proportional to the concentration of water in food. Although it has not been experimentally established, deer can probably survive without free water if green forage is abundant. Forage plants often contain significant amounts of water (45 to 65 percent in browse and 70 to 90 percent in forbs). Pricklypear is especially important as a source of water (90 percent) for deer in South Texas. Free water may be important in South Texas than more temperate regions, especially during the hot, dry summers with temperatures commonly rise above 100 degrees F. Water availability can be critical during drought situations when forbs and other succulent vegetation are scarce. Ranchers may improve deer performance by locating a water source every 1000 acres or less during droughts or dry seasons.