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Electric
Fencing to Exclude Deer and Elk from Recovering Areas -
Permanent electric fence
High voltage,
high tensile 8-wire electric fences will repel both elk and deer.
If only elk are a problem, 7 wires will be enough. The fence should
be about 6 feet high. The bottom 4 wires should be spaced 8”
apart. The next three wires can be spaced 10-11 inches apart. Every
other wire should be a ground wire.
At least 4,000
volts must be continuously maintained in the fence using a high
quality fence charger. Because the hollow hair of deer or elk acts
as an insulator, 4,000 volts are required to provide sufficient
shock. It is imperative that the fence is charged as soon as any
portion is completed. Even if only 100 yards are built in a day
and wildlife could easily walk around it, charge that 100-yard segment.
Once the fence is constructed, periodically check the voltage with
an electric fence tester.
A good ground
will ensure that the voltage is high enough to repel elk and deer.
Plan to use four ground rods, buried 6 feet apart. Pound 6-foot
galvanized rods 5 feet into the ground. Galvanized pipe will provide
a good ground, but be sure to cap the top so rainwater does not
fill the pipe. If rocky soil prevents driving a ground rod, bury
the rod horizontally as deeply as possible and connect insulated
ground wires from the fence to it.
Because the
fence is a repellant, it is important that elk and deer can see
it. Use shiny metal reflectors on wire or use polytape. The shiny
reflectors will attract curious wildlife more than almost invisible
electric wire. Polytape comes in a variety of colors, but studies
show that white provides the most contrast so it is the most visible.
Expect to replace polytape every 3-5 years if revegetation will
take a longer period of time. If the fence crosses through heavy
vegetation, plan to clear a 10-15 foot buffer outside the fence
so elk and deer will see it. On steep slopes, the buffer should
be wider.
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