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Fixed-knot Deer Containment Fence Suitability for various uses: This kind of deer fence consists of heavy (typically 12.5 gauge) galvanized steel wire forming a square or rectangular mesh that is tied together by short lengths (“fixed knots”) of twisted steel wire. Usually supported by heavy wooden posts, it is commonly used by zoos, game parks, deer hunting reserves, and deer ranches to contain deer within the boundaries of the fence. 
In recent years, homeowners bent on excluding deer have begun using fixed-knot fence to keep deer out. It can do that, but it has certain drawbacks. Among them: Fixed-knot fence is highly visible, and homes enclosed by it tend to look imprisoned—what one deer fence professional has referred to as the “Stalag 17 effect.” Also, fixed-knot fence is designed to be installed under tension, and an installer following this route needs to be familiar with high-tensile fence-building methods. To reduce the fence’s visibility, one maker has applied a special finish and black paint. However, the paint tends to wear off fast; and despite the underlying coating, the fence wires underneath are subject to corrosion. Another way to reduce the fence’s visibility is to reduce the fence wires’ thickness from 12.5 to 14 gauge. This has been done, and such fencing is available. However, the thinner wires markedly reduce the fence’s ability to stand straight, resist distortion, and keep out deer. Installation requirements: Most deer containment fences use 6-inch round wood posts spaced 20 to 25 feet apart and set 4 feet or so into the ground. These posts need to be braced with H-braces or by other buttressing at corners, ends, and gate approaches, and also need dip and ridge posts capable of making a high-tensile fence conform to dips and ridges. However, homeowners intent on reducing the fence’s visibility will be relieved to find that metal posts (round posts or studded steel T-posts) will do an acceptable job as line posts, and also that specific, detailed, and well-illustrated manufacturer's installation instructions are available, together with various accessories needed to erect this fence.
Those wishing to avoid high tensile methods can do so, and in that case the installation methods for metal hexagrid fencing can be applied. Please note, however, that such low-tensile installation will produce fencing that tends to bow in or out and get distorted. Also, such fencing is not well-suited to hilly sites, because the bottom of the fence must run straight. If the grade is even, a trench can be dug or earth can be mounded up to deal with minor irregularities. However, any significant grade change requires that one run of fencing be ended and another begun, and that the two runs be joined with bonding apparatus such as oval metal sleeves applied with a crimping tool. Types available: Because this fixed-knot fencing makes the best deer fence for those seeking to contain deer, we offer several types. One eight-foot type (product 14-17A) comes with 20 horizontal wires (see diagram at right) and with vertical wires spaced 12 inches apart. It is not really appropriate for containing deer, but it is well-suited to containing larger animals such as elk and can also serve to exclude deer where the deer pressure is light to moderate. Another eight-foot type (product 14-17B) comes with the same 20 horizontal wires and with vertical wires spaced 6 inches apart. This fence is best-suited to containing adult deer and excluding large deer populations. Yet another type (product 14-17C, suited to deer breeding and fawn containment) comes with the same 20 horizontal wires but with vertical wires spaced a short 3 inches apart to prevent fawns from getting their heads stuck in the larger mesh. State laws vary, but those seeking to raise deer or contain them for other reasons are commonly required to put up fences either 8 or 10 feet high. For this reason a ten-foot type (product 14-17D) with the 6-inch vertical wire spacing suited to containing adult deer is listed in the table below. We can also get other types of fixed-knot fence that are painted black or that come with different heights, wire gauges, or wire spacing. Please call us at 508-888-8305 for information about prices and availability of any of these types. Fixed-knot Deer Fencing with 12.5 Gauge Steel Wires and Class III Galvanization (330 and 165 foot rolls): Discounts: A 10% discount is offered on purchases of 5 or more rolls. Please call us at 508-888-8305 to obtain this discount. |
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