When homesteading near wildlife, you’re typically faced with two choices: installing effective deer fencing kits or no garden at all.
Some novice homesteaders might argue, “What’s the harm in sharing our bounty? Animals deserve to eat too.”
It’s not about denying animals their right to eat; it’s about understanding their behavior. When presented with the lush offerings of your garden versus sparse sagebrush and pine bark, wildlife won’t hesitate to indulge. “Sharing” isn’t a concept they grasp; they’ll consume everything in sight.
Therefore, it’s not a matter of denying them food, but rather of safeguarding your hard work and ensuring a sustainable harvest for yourself.
A Deer Fencing Dilemma
In Salmon, Idaho, where deer are so abundant that $5 hunting tags fill freezers each fall, encounters with these animals are a regular part of life. Despite efforts in wildlife conservation, deer roam freely, making nighttime driving along winding river roads a risky endeavor, particularly during buck season.
My friend Linda Miller, a longtime resident of Salmon, knows this struggle all too well. Year after year, she and her husband planted rows of frost-resistant, easy-to-grow cabbage, only to have their efforts thwarted by hungry deer. Without fail, the deer would emerge at night, devouring every head of cabbage before it could mature beyond a mere two inches. Not even the presence of a dog deterred them; their faithful companion opted for shelter under the porch rather than guarding the garden.
To combat the relentless raids, Linda attempted various fencing solutions. She started with barbed wire and increased the fence height to four feet, hoping to contain not only the marauding deer but also their mischievous goats, which had joined the buffet after escaping their pasture. However, the four-foot barrier proved ineffective against the determined deer, prompting Linda to escalate her efforts.
The saga of Linda’s deer-proof fencing culminated in the installation of eight-foot estate fencing—a formidable barrier that finally put an end to the nightly feasts on her cabbage patch.
Rules for Effective Deer Fencing
Protect your garden and ensure your family’s food supply with DIY fence installation techniques, inspired by the practical advice from the University of Vermont and real-world experiences.
Some homeowners opt for privacy fencing without gaps, as deer are less likely to pursue what they can’t see. While effective, solid wood or fiberglass slat privacy fencing can be pricey and vulnerable to strong winds.
While eight-foot deer fencing is a top choice, it’s not the only solution. Whitetail deer can leap up to eight feet, so if your fence is shorter, consider extending or adding poles to accommodate additional wire height. Alternatively, you can purchase wildlife fencing already reaching 96 inches.
Another cost-effective approach is to leverage deer leaping behaviors. Deer can either jump high or jump wide, but not both simultaneously. If you already have a five-foot fence, installing another of the same height about four feet away can deter deer effectively.
For smaller areas like garden plots or trees, deer netting or fencing can be used selectively. Simply surround the desired area with t-posts and sturdy wire to keep hungry deer at bay.
Suzanne Artley, a gardener and fiber animal raiser in rural Montana, employs a combination of deer fencing methods. “We follow local wisdom,” she says. “A fence should be at least seven feet high or consist of two five-foot fences spaced to prevent deer from jumping the width, especially if there are dogs in the yard. This approach has proven effective for us.”
Deer Fencing That’s Kind to Deer
barbed wire is a cost-effective solution for keeping calves and steers in, it proved lethal to deer due to their poor depth perception. Deer often couldn’t discern the strands of barbed wire, running into them and becoming entangled, leading to tragic outcomes. During my time with the Forest Service, I frequently encountered the heartbreaking remains of spring fawns caught in ranchers’ barbed wire fences.
To prevent deer fencing disasters, there are two key strategies.
Firstly, opt for fencing with small holes and smooth seams. While an eight-foot wooden fence may be costly, rolls of dedicated deer and orchard fence offer a more affordable alternative. This type of fencing is easier for deer to spot, reducing their inclination to attempt jumping over it. By keeping it tightly secured to upright posts, there are no loose ends that could ensnare their legs. Many companies offer wildlife and deer fencing specifically designed for this purpose, reinforcing the top and bottom with higher-gauge wire in a conspicuous color.
The second approach, commonly observed in Idaho, involves attaching visible markers to the wire. Ranchers facing the challenge of fencing large areas, such as 200 acres, found this method invaluable. Plastic flagging, baling twine, or strips of cloth tied to the wire make it more noticeable to deer. The fluttering streamers in the wind serve as a deterrent, dissuading deer from attempting to run straight through the barbed wire. This technique can also enhance the effectiveness of commercial wildlife fencing, discouraging deer from attempting to leap over it altogether.
Double Down on Deer Fencing for Success
Suzanne shared an unconventional yet effective tactic with me: asking her nephews to urinate on her hostas when they visit her farm. Surprisingly, she swears by its efficacy!
While I don’t recommend relying solely on deer repellents, they can complement other defense measures.
Contrary to popular belief, deer-repellent plants typically aren’t reliable. Nurseries may advertise varieties that deer supposedly avoid, but when their alternatives are limited to sagebrush and pine bark, even less favored plants like zinnias become fair game. Beware of claims that certain plants repel deer; they often walk right through. For instance, while some suggest planting marigolds for this purpose, in reality, deer and rabbits are quite fond of them. (Interestingly, French marigolds do repel certain tomato-loving bugs, but that’s another story.)
Repellent liquids and granules, often containing blood or urine, can be effective—until it rains. To maintain their effectiveness, reapply frequently and consider watering from beneath, such as with drip irrigation. For optimal results, combine repellents with sturdy fencing.
Speaking of fencing, it’s crucial to keep the wire taut to prevent deer from getting tangled and to eliminate any openings or weak spots. Regularly inspect fences for gaps and make necessary repairs. Additionally, it’s wise to install deer fencing before establishing a garden. Deer are intelligent animals and quickly learn where to find tasty treats. By training them to avoid an area early on, you reduce the likelihood of future encounters.
Do you have any tales of deer fencing disasters? Share your experiences—what worked and what didn’t—for the benefit of fellow gardeners.
