Electric Deer Fencing Overview
Unlike other fencing, the fence itself does not have to provide a strong barrier. The
electric shock that results from the deer touching it acts as a strong
psychological barrier, not a physical barrier.
Like most animals, deer will first touch a fence with their noses. Being moist, the current is
conducted to the ground, the circuit is completed and the deer receives a shock.
There are advantages and disadvantages to electric fencing.
There are
advantages and disadvantages to electric fencing. The advantage is that it is
lighter and cheaper and can be assembled and disassembled easier and
faster. When properly constructed there is less chance of deer breaking
through. Also, electric fencing may be an alternative where the height of
conventional deer fencing might present an eyesore.
The main disadvantage would have to be that it could not be
used were children or pets will be present. Other disadvantages include
needing frequent maintenance to keep it is working order. Electric fencing
will not function through thick vegetation, so the perimeter must be
maintained to keep vegetation under control. Spraying under the wire
with a non-selective herbicide may be necessary. Another disadvantage is
that deer, unlike cows, have not been trained to respect an electric fence and
they may rush and break through the fence doing damage not expecting a
shock. Of course, deer will not receive a shock if they jump the
fence.
With all electric fencing, it is a
good idea to mark the wire with cloth strips, reflective tapes, aluminum foil or
something similar so that the deer notice the fence. Be careful that
whatever you use does not hinder the flow of electricity through the
fence. Putting bait such as peanut butter on the cloth strips or foil will
encourage the deer to put their noses on the fence and be
shocked.
Deer normally will
attempt to go under or through fencing rather than jump
over it. A vertical fence should have wires located 15 inches
and again 30 inches off the ground. A 3 wire fence
would have wires at 10,20, and 30 inches. If you are trying to protect
a vegetable garden and have small animal problems also, start your wire at
3 inches and again at 6 inches.
Wireless Deer
Fence The Wireless Deer Fence is an inventive variation on this
type of fencing. The system doesn't use fencing as such, but uses posts
that are baited with scented pellets. The deer are attracted to these
posts and receive a mild shock, discouraging them from approaching the area in
the future. The baited posts are positioned on deer paths,
around vulnerable plants, or around special areas like gardens.
Temporary Electric Fencing
Temporary electric fencing can be used to
protect newly planted landscapes or seasonal gardens. Various strategies may be used
for temporary electric fencing, but they may not be 100% effective against all
deer species. Deer species vary in they susceptibility. Red deer
seem to be the most susceptible, with roe deer being the least susceptible and
white-tail deer falling somewhere in between.
One design that has proven effective is a system that has three
lines of high visibility electric tape and stands 3 foot in
height. Other systems use 7 stands of wire on a 117 cm post, and 9 wire
strands on a 137 cm post. These systems are based on the deer receiving a
effective severe shock on their first encounter so that they do not make
another attempt to enter.
In many cases, if you are having to construct a
multi-strand electric fence, you would be better off to use wire or plastic
netting or another type of fencing that can be removed at a later
date.
Semi-Permanent Electric Fencing
A semi-permanent electric system could
consist of a single wire three foot high, and placed four foot from a
non-electric fence that is four foot high. The non-electric fence could be
made of wire or mesh netting. The single electric wire should be located
on the side that the deer would be entering from.
Permanent Electric Fencing
Permanent electric
fencing of boundaries and fields is probably best for commercial
applications. Permanent electric fencing should be constructed of
triple-galvanized, high-tensile, 13.5-gauge wire carrying a current of 35
milliamps and 3,000 to 4,500 volts. Several configurations of electric
fences are used: vertical strands from one to five, seven or even nine
wires. Slanted wire fences, typically with seven wires are also
used.
For a low cost system that has had proven success, try a
seven strand, five foot high slanted fence. Used in Virginia at a
strawberry farm there, they have had 100% control. The 3-dimensional
effect of the slanting tier of
wires confuses the deer and they are afraid of being
entangled.
Combined Electric and Conventional
Fencing
There are several advantages to combining electric
fencing with conventional fencing. An electric "scare" wire can added to a
conventional already existing fence. This adds the shock value without
having to put up another fence. Adding an electric wire will increase the
life of the existing fence by keeping the deer from leaning or rubbing on the
fence. Combined with high tensile netting, or woven wire fencing are made
more effective by combining them with electric wire.