The Critical Need for a Strong Defense
The Problem: Wildlife Damage
The vibrant green of your food plot, brimming with promise, is a sight every land manager and hunting enthusiast cherishes. But that hard work, the careful seed selection, the meticulous soil preparation – all of it can be jeopardized in a matter of hours. The culprit? Unwanted wildlife, voraciously consuming your efforts before you can even enjoy the fruits (or, rather, the forage) of your labor. That’s where the food plot fence steps in, becoming the ultimate guardian of your hard-earned investment, and ensuring a bountiful harvest for both you and the wildlife you aim to attract. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from planning to maintenance, so you can build a food plot fence that truly works.
The primary reason for building a food plot fence is, undeniably, protection. Your carefully cultivated food plot represents an investment – of time, money, and effort. Protecting that investment is paramount if you’re serious about creating a thriving wildlife habitat or attracting game to your hunting property.
The most common offenders when it comes to food plot destruction are deer. Their voracious appetites and high population densities mean they can decimate a food plot in a shockingly short amount of time. Other animals, too, contribute to the problem. Rabbits, groundhogs, and even wild turkeys can wreak havoc, consuming young seedlings or trampling vulnerable plants.
The damage caused by wildlife goes beyond just the aesthetic disappointment of a ravaged food plot. It translates to a real financial loss, particularly if you’ve invested in expensive seed, fertilizer, and other inputs. Furthermore, uncontrolled browsing can actually damage the overall ecosystem. When wildlife excessively graze, it can lead to soil erosion, reduce plant diversity, and negatively impact the health of the target animals themselves.
Alternative Solutions and Shortcomings
While alternative methods of protection might seem appealing, they often fall short. Repellents, for example, can be messy, require frequent reapplication, and are not always effective, especially with heavy browsing pressure. Electric fences, while offering a deterrent, can be unreliable, prone to malfunctions, and require a significant investment in electricity and maintenance. Scare tactics, such as noise makers or flashing lights, often provide only temporary relief, as animals quickly become accustomed to the disturbances. High fencing, though effective, can be very expensive and, if not well-constructed, may violate local regulations.
Advantages of a Food Plot Fence
A well-constructed food plot fence, on the other hand, offers the most reliable, long-term protection. It creates a physical barrier that prevents animals from accessing your plot. This translates into greater yields, less waste, and a higher return on your investment. It also allows you to plant a wider variety of food plot species, including those that are highly palatable to deer but might otherwise be quickly consumed.
Planning Your Food Plot’s Safeguard
Assessing Your Needs
Before you even consider hammering a post, a thorough planning process is essential. Success hinges on a well-thought-out approach tailored to your specific circumstances.
Begin by assessing the size and shape of your food plot. The larger the plot, the more fencing you’ll need, and the higher the overall cost. Oddly shaped plots can require more complex fence designs. Consider the terrain. Are there slopes, rocky areas, or other challenges that will impact fence construction? This will influence the type of fence and the materials you choose.
Next, carefully evaluate the level of animal pressure in your area. How many deer are in the vicinity? Are there other animals that could pose a threat? Game cameras are invaluable in this assessment. You can also look for browse lines and droppings. The higher the wildlife density, the more robust your fence needs to be.
Don’t overlook local regulations. Some areas have specific requirements for fencing, including height, materials, and placement. Check with your local authorities or your county’s planning and zoning department to ensure your food plot fence complies with all applicable laws.
Types of Food Plot Fences
The type of food plot fence you choose will significantly impact its effectiveness, cost, and ease of installation. The most popular options include high-tensile wire fences, woven wire fences, and electric fences.
High-tensile wire fences, typically standing eight feet tall, represent the gold standard for deer exclusion. These fences are incredibly effective because they are difficult to jump over. Their construction involves high-tensile strength wire strung between sturdy corner and line posts. While more expensive and time-consuming to install initially, they offer exceptional longevity and require minimal maintenance.
Woven wire fences offer a more cost-effective alternative. Using woven wire mesh stretched between posts, these fences provide a physical barrier. However, woven wire fences are generally less effective than high-tensile wire fences for deer. Deer can sometimes jump over woven wire fences.
Electric fences, when used alone, are often insufficient for complete deer protection. However, when used in conjunction with other methods, they can provide an extra deterrent. You can create a system that uses an offset wire that delivers a shock to any animal trying to test the perimeter. This helps deter animals from the fence. They require a charger and consistent maintenance.
Material Selection
Choosing the right materials is crucial. The wrong choice can lead to a fence that is not only ineffective but also short-lived.
For fence wire, the gauge, tensile strength, and coating are critical considerations. High-tensile wire is designed to withstand significant force and stretch without breaking. The coating, typically galvanized, protects the wire from rust and corrosion. When building a high-tensile fence, you’ll want to use high-quality, high-tensile wire. For woven wire fences, the wire gauge should be appropriate for the size of animals you’re trying to exclude.
The posts form the backbone of your fence. Corner and gate posts must be exceptionally strong to withstand the tension of the wire and the impact of animals. Treated wood or heavy-duty metal (steel or even concrete) posts are the best choices. Line posts, which support the wire between corner posts, can be made of treated wood, steel t-posts, or other materials. The spacing of line posts will vary depending on the type of fence and the terrain. Closer spacing provides more stability, especially in areas with high wildlife pressure.
Gates provide access to your food plot. Walk-through gates are convenient for daily maintenance, while vehicle gates allow you to access the plot with equipment. The design of your gates should be robust, matching the height and strength of your fence.
Consider all other hardware you will need. Insulators prevent the wire from shorting against the posts. Wire tensioners allow you to tighten the wire, ensuring a taut, effective barrier. Staples, clips, and other fasteners secure the wire to the posts.
Constructing Your Food Plot Barrier
Pre-Installation
The installation phase is where your planning comes to fruition. Following the proper steps ensures a fence that is strong, durable, and effective.
Before starting, clear the fence line of any obstacles. Remove trees, brush, and anything else that could interfere with the fence. A clear line will make installation easier and prevent damage to your fence over time.
Mark the exact location of your fence line and the placement of your posts. Proper alignment will contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of your fence.
Post Installation
Corner and gate posts are the foundation. Install these posts first. For wooden corner posts, a common method is to set them in concrete. This provides exceptional stability. The posts should be braced to further reinforce them. For metal corner posts, you may need to consider a concrete footing, and definitely bracing.
Line posts should be placed at the appropriate intervals. Drive t-posts with a post driver to the required depth. For wooden line posts, use a post hole digger or auger to create holes and then set the posts. Ensure posts are vertical and secure.
Wire Installation
Installing the wire is the final step. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for stringing and tensioning the wire. High-tensile wire fences use tensioners to tighten the wire. Woven wire fences are stretched taut and then attached to the posts with staples or clips.
When constructing a high-tensile fence, you may choose to add an electric component. This is particularly beneficial for deterring deer from jumping over the fence. An electric fence will require adding insulators to your wooden posts, as well as an electric fence charger and a proper grounding system.
Gate Installation
Gate installation follows. Attach hinges and latches carefully, making sure the gate swings freely and closes securely.
Maintaining Your Perimeter
Routine Inspections
Once your food plot fence is up, the work isn’t over. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness.
Routine inspections are crucial. Walk the perimeter of your fence regularly, looking for any signs of damage. The frequency of inspections will depend on wildlife pressure, weather conditions, and other factors. However, at a minimum, inspect your fence at least once a month, and more frequently during periods of high wildlife activity.
Repairs
Address any damage promptly. Broken wires, loose posts, or sagging wire can compromise the fence’s integrity. Keep repair tools and materials readily available.
Vegetation Management
Control vegetation along the fence line. Overgrown vegetation can damage the wire, shorten the fence’s lifespan, and create easy entry points for wildlife. Mow, weed-whip, or use herbicides to keep the fence line clear.
Gate Maintenance
Gates require occasional maintenance. Lubricate hinges, adjust latches, and repair or replace damaged gates.
Addressing Troublesome Scenarios
Deer Challenges
Even with a well-constructed fence, issues can arise. Knowing how to address these problems can save you time, money, and frustration.
Deer can be persistent. If deer are jumping over your fence, consider adding an additional strand of wire. This may be a wire offset a foot or so from the fence, or possibly one at an angle. The goal is to make the fence appear wider or more difficult to jump over.
Wildlife Breaches
Wildlife may breach the fence. Holes, damaged wire, or other vulnerabilities will require prompt repair. Inspect the fence regularly for these issues.
Shorts in Electric Fences
Electric fences can short out. Vegetation, faulty components, or other problems can cause a short. Inspect the fence and remove any vegetation touching the wire.
Fence Degradation
Even the best-built fence can degrade over time. Weather, animal pressure, and other factors contribute to wear and tear. Regularly inspect your fence and address any signs of deterioration.
Costs and Considerations
Cost Breakdown
The cost of a food plot fence can vary widely depending on the type of fence, the size of the plot, and the materials you choose. A well-constructed, high-tensile fence will generally be more expensive upfront than a woven wire fence, but it may offer a better return on investment in the long run. Doing it yourself will save on labor, but it can also take a significant amount of time. Weighing the long-term benefits against the initial expenses is an important part of your decision-making process.
Longevity and Return on Investment
The lifespan of your food plot fence will also vary depending on the type of fence and the quality of the materials used. High-tensile fences can last for many years, even decades, with proper maintenance. Woven wire fences may have a shorter lifespan, particularly if exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Consider the long-term return on investment when making your decision. A well-constructed food plot fence can dramatically increase your yield. By preventing wildlife damage, you are ensuring that more of your food plot reaches maturity.
Time Commitment
Before starting your fence project, take the time to consider the overall time commitment. The installation process can take several days or even weeks, depending on the size of the plot, the complexity of the fence, and your experience level.
Conclusion
Recap
Building a food plot fence is an investment that will pay off in the form of a healthy, productive food plot and, for hunters, an increase in the number and quality of game animals on your property.
Building a successful food plot fence is a multi-faceted project, requiring careful planning, diligent installation, and consistent maintenance. By understanding the need for protection, selecting the appropriate materials, and following the proper installation techniques, you can build a food plot fence that effectively protects your investment and maximizes your yields. Remember, your diligence ensures a thriving food plot, and provides critical resources for the local wildlife. So take the time to plan carefully, implement your plan thoroughly, and maintain your fence diligently. The benefits of a properly constructed food plot fence will be clear for years to come.
