Peter Comrie of Tornado Wire Ltd explains the importance fencing is in ensuring efficient management of farmed deer.“Any deer farm will need a perimeter fence with a series of internal fences for dividing land into grazing plots and to allow the separation of hinds, stags and calves at certain times of the year,” he says.

“The perimeter fence is a key part of a deer farm, preventing deer from escaping and preventing unwanted intrusion from animals and people. This deer fencing needs to be secure and robust so it must be heavily galvanised. You should seek further advice from your fencing manufacturer or supplier.”

Mr Comrie recommends using a high tensile deer fence, 20 line wire fence of 96” in height. This should be made up of 6” box mesh size with figure of eight locks such as Tornado`s Titan Fixed Knot for maximum strength. This will provide a strong robust fence which once installed will last many years which is necessary considering the initial outlay of the fences.

“For the internal fences, you can increase the vertical wire spacing to 12” comments Mr Comrie. This is due to less pressure from the livestock on the fences and is more cost-effective. “Farmers may wish to adjust what fences they have to meet their requirements so I would suggest working with a company that can manufacture a fence made specifically for your deer farm.”

On farms that have a recognised rabbit problem, it is also worth installing a rabbit fence around the perimeter from the start.

“You don’t want competition for grazing so I would suggest attaching a rabbit fence to the perimeter deer fence, ensuring it is buried, bent flat, pegged down and backfilled,” says Mr Comrie.

Correct fencing set-up is also a key consideration when designing a corral and handling area for deer. Because deer can be more flighty than livestock, it’s important to design a system that is safe for both animal and human.

“Most deer farmers will have designed deer raceways. These are fenced corridors to allow deer to be corralled. Consideration should be given to installing a similar fence to the perimeter fence in this area, and possible reducing the vertical wire spacing to 3” for improved net strength and rigidity. However, I would also suggest installing wooden ranch boarding on the fence at around the height of the heads of the deer to deter injury to deer within the race,” suggests Mr Comrie.