Why You Need a Food Plot Fence
In the world of wildlife management, a carefully cultivated food plot stands as a beacon of hope, a readily available buffet designed to nourish and attract the animals you love to watch or hunt. It’s a dedication of time, effort, and sometimes, a considerable financial investment. But what happens when nature’s hungry patrons decide to help themselves to your hard work? That’s where a food plot fence becomes absolutely essential.
This article dives deep into the world of protecting your food plot, explaining why a food plot fence is the cornerstone of success, and providing a comprehensive guide to choosing, building, and maintaining the right fence for your specific needs. We’ll explore different fence types, offer practical installation advice, and share tips for ensuring your food plot thrives, season after season.
One of the most common challenges faced by food plot enthusiasts is the relentless pressure from browsing animals. Deer, in particular, are notorious for their voracious appetites and their ability to quickly decimate a food plot. Rabbits, groundhogs, and other herbivores can also contribute to significant crop losses, often before your plants even have a chance to establish themselves. This is where a food plot fence truly shines, acting as the primary line of defense against these hungry visitors.
The impact of unchecked browsing can be devastating. Your carefully selected seed mixes, the hours spent tilling and planting, and the money invested in fertilizer and other soil amendments, can all be rendered worthless in a matter of days or weeks. Your chances of attracting and supporting the desired wildlife plummet. The goal of your food plot – whether it’s for hunting, observation, or simply providing supplemental food for wildlife – is compromised. This is why a solid food plot fence represents a critical investment in your overall success.
While alternative methods like deer repellents can offer some degree of protection, their effectiveness is often limited, and they require frequent reapplication, making them less practical and potentially more expensive in the long run. Furthermore, these deterrents typically offer only a temporary solution, not a long-term defense against the constant threat of hungry animals. A well-constructed food plot fence, on the other hand, provides consistent, reliable protection, offering a much higher return on investment. It is a proactive measure that gives your food plot a fighting chance from the start.
Let’s explore the various types of food plot fences available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Different Styles of Protection
High-tensile fences represent a robust and durable solution for perimeter protection. These fences are typically constructed using high-tensile steel wire supported by sturdy posts, providing a formidable barrier against determined animals. The wire is stretched tightly, minimizing sag and ensuring a lasting lifespan. This type of food plot fence is known for its longevity and its effectiveness in keeping out even the most persistent deer. When properly constructed, a high-tensile fence can last for decades.
The components of a high-tensile fence generally include:
- Posts: Often wooden or metal, spaced at regular intervals to provide structural support.
- Wire: High-tensile steel wire, designed to withstand significant pressure.
- Strainers and Tensioners: Used to keep the wire taut.
- Insulators: Crucial for preventing short-circuiting if the fence is electrified.
- Bracing: Often used in corners to enhance stability.
Installation requires careful planning and execution. Considerations include post spacing, fence height (generally at least eight feet for deer), and burying the bottom wire to prevent animals from crawling under. Corner bracing is particularly important to maintain tension and prevent the fence from sagging over time.
Electric fences utilize a pulsed electric current to deter animals from breaching the barrier. They’re a highly effective deterrent, delivering a brief, but unpleasant shock that quickly teaches animals to stay away. The key components of an electric fence are:
- Energizer: The power source, which generates the electric pulse.
- Wire: Conductive wire (usually steel or aluminum).
- Insulators: To prevent the wire from touching the posts and grounding out.
- Ground Rod: Essential for completing the electrical circuit.
Electric fences are often more flexible than high-tensile fences, and can be easily moved or reconfigured. Safety is paramount with electric fences, and proper installation and maintenance are crucial. Choose an energizer that is appropriate for the size of your plot and the species you are trying to exclude.
Poly fences and netting offer a simpler and often more affordable option, especially for smaller food plots or situations where ease of installation is a priority. These fences typically consist of:
- Poly Wire or Netting: Durable, lightweight material that’s easy to handle.
- Posts: Often made of fiberglass or treated wood, which provide support for the netting.
Poly fences are often chosen for their ease of installation, which makes them attractive for landowners who want to set up a barrier quickly and without specialized tools. However, poly fences may be less durable than high-tensile fences, particularly if subjected to significant pressure from deer or other persistent animals. Their suitability depends on the specific context, so choose wisely.
Temporary fences are a great solution if you have shifting needs. These fences, can be electric or non-electric, are often designed for portability and can be easily moved to protect different areas of your food plot. Temporary electric fences may use portable energizers and lightweight posts that can be easily installed and removed.
The best applications for temporary fences are for short-term protection, such as protecting a newly planted area or safeguarding a specific crop that is particularly attractive to wildlife. They are not meant to provide the same level of long-term security as a permanent food plot fence.
When deciding on a food plot fence type, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Selecting the Right System for You
Consider your budget, the size of your food plot, the level of protection you need, and the type of wildlife pressure you are facing. A high-tensile fence might be the best choice if deer are a major concern and you are looking for a durable, long-lasting solution. An electric fence might be ideal if you need a flexible, yet effective barrier. Poly fences or netting could be a suitable option for smaller plots or if you prioritize ease of installation. Temporary fences can be useful for quick protection.
Before you start building, it’s time to assess your site. Start by determining the dimensions of your food plot. The shape is also relevant because you must consider the number of turns and corners you need to create the barrier. Then, evaluate the terrain. Are there slopes or any other obstacles that you need to navigate? Consider existing features and infrastructure and how the fence will interact with them. Finally, determine the wildlife pressure you’re experiencing. Knowing the abundance of deer, rabbits, and other animals will help you determine what type of food plot fence will be most effective.
Next, create a precise plan for the fence layout. Decide on the perimeter and the location of corners. Plan for gate placement to allow easy access. Decide how the fence will interface with existing infrastructure, such as roads or buildings. Ensure all of your plans are made and that all tools and materials are organized before beginning.
Building a food plot fence requires some elbow grease. Here’s a general step-by-step guide:
- Preparing the Site: Clear the area of brush and other obstructions. Mark the perimeter of your plot clearly.
- Installing Posts: Drive the posts into the ground at the planned spacing. The depth of the posts is important because it affects the overall sturdiness of the fence. Use corner posts to ensure that corners are reinforced with bracing for stability.
- Stringing the Wire/Netting: Attach the wire or netting to the posts, ensuring that it is taut. Properly tensioning the wire or netting is essential for creating an effective barrier.
- Grounding the Fence (for electric fences): Drive ground rods into the soil to establish a complete electrical circuit.
- Installing a Gate: Ensure the gate provides convenient access to the food plot.
Don’t underestimate the importance of regular maintenance.
Keeping Your Fence in Top Condition
Regular inspections are key to maintaining a food plot fence. Check for damage such as broken wires, leaning posts, or any signs of animals trying to breach the barrier. Make repairs promptly. Replace broken wires or damaged fence components as needed.
For electric fences, check the energizer’s performance regularly. Clear away vegetation near the wires to prevent short circuits. Replace batteries as needed. Prevent issues by addressing potential problems before they cause damage.
To keep your food plot fence effective, consider these tips:
- Ensure your fence is high enough (eight feet or higher is typical for deer).
- Bury or slope the bottom of the fence to prevent wildlife from crawling underneath.
- Combine fencing with other strategies, such as deer repellents, and consider crop selection for added protection.
- Monitor wildlife activity and adjust your strategy if needed.
Remember to comply with local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before starting construction.
Protecting your food plot from unwanted visitors is a commitment. However, by implementing a well-planned food plot fence, you can safeguard your investment and encourage the healthy development of your plots. Take the first step today to make sure that your investment reaps the rewards that you desire.
