I don't know if it's got any truth to it whatsoever but I've heard multiple stories from random people thru the years about big old swamp bucks that hooves half rotted off from never leaving the water living deep in the swamp
I've seen hooves that appeared to have never touched a solid surface. Long and curled.
Water is pretty prevalent around here. That does not mean a water hole in the middle of a large forested area won't be productive.
No matter what it is....food, water, cover, etc......the name of the game is to hunt the least available. The "limiting" factor.