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The use of bipolar low impedance fence energizers is often employed to 

 increase effectiveness of these electric fences by providing control (shock) 

 when animal feet are not grounded (such as on frozen ground). 



Construction and maintenance of electric fences needs to be considered 

 carefully. Always follow manufacturers' fence construction specifications, 

 paying particular attention to construction of corner and braced assemblies. 

 Electrify and properly ground the fence (or completed fence sections) as 

 soon as they are erected. it is important that deer respect the fence 

 barrier from their first encounter. 



Control of vegetation and woody growth that may contact the fence is 

 required for maximum effectiveness. Fence voltage needs to be checked 

 monthly at the farthest point from the charger to insure that a charge of 

 approximately 3000 volts is being maintained. Routine tension and equipment 

 checks to maintain manufacturers' specifications is required. 



Woven Wire Fencing 



Vertical, woven wire fencing systems have been the standard control 

 measure recommended for the protection of large acreages experiencing high 

 deer pressure. Typically, these fences consist of 6" x 12" wire mesh 8 feet 

 high. Additional strands of barbed wire are added to the top of the fence 

 to extend the fence to 10 feet in height. 



Woven wire fencing is highly effective if properly maintained. 

 However, its high relative cost and maintenance requirements limit grower 

 acceptance of woven wire fence. 



Repel lents 



A variety of repellents have been developed to deter deer feeding 

 pressure. While all of these have some effectiveness for short-term 

 control, none is effective in situations of moderate to heavy deer pressure. 



Repellents are classified according to their basic mode of action. 

 Some that are taste repellent and some produce an odor offensive to deer. 

 Among those available Thiram^, a taste repellent, and a fatty acid 

 (Hinder^), an odor repellent, are most effective. These materials are also 

 effective against rabbit feeding damage when used according to manufac- 

 turers' instructions. 



Several non-commercial, odor repellent materials will provide some deer 

 repel lency action under low deer pressure situations. Human hair (available 

 from barber shops and beauty salons) can be applied in mesh bags (1/8" mesh 

 or less) and hung on outer tree branches at a height of approximately 30 

 inches. Each bag should contain at least 2 large handfuls of hair, and bags 

 should be spaced at no further than 3 feet apart within the tree. 



Deoderant soap bars are also being used to repel deer. Soap bars are 

 strung on wire and hung in trees in a distribution pattern as described for 

 hair bags. Leave soap bar wrappers on to reduce weathering and prolong 

 life. 



