I need to fence an area which will probably end up 14'x10' at most to protect against critters/deer. I was planning to use T-posts and welded wire fencing but someone recommended this polypropylene deer barrier instead. It would end up being much less expensive and would probably be easier to work with as well.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I have close to 1,000' of 5' high fence here.

Deer go over it whenever they want, fortunately not often. We feed ~20 deer out front. Otherwise they might be hopping the fence more often to get at the "salad bar."

You need at least 6', pretty sturdy.

The guys around here start with 6 1/2' field fence, add one smooth wire (usually stretched at the bottom to show where the posts need to go, then lifted up), and a top wire of barb wire. One ends up with a 7' high fence with barbed wire on top. I've seen deer go over it, but typically only when there is higher terrain they were jumping from.

For the size you are talking about, it would be a bear to stretch wire fence. Going with the plastic you are looking at probably makes good sense. If it isn't tall enough you could always make two passes, overlapping or burying some. You may find critters digging under a problem if the fencing just goes down to the ground. Good luck with your project!

How about liberally applying fox urine around the external perimeter.
Human hair clippings, in the same area, may also deter the deer.

Last year I bought a motion-activated sprinkler from Amazon. Worked a lot better than fences, human hair, and deer-be-gone, but it isn't a perimeter defense.

If you want to keep deer away, simply sprinkle some mothballs around. They can't smell anything, but them and will avoid the area like the plague.

I happen to be an expert on the subject. The linked fencing you posted in the OP will work great...until they decide to go through it.

There are two keys to keeping deer out of gardens (or any area for that matter): High fencing or not allowing them to see what is on the other side. You'll need at least seven feet of height if going for the former.

Gustofer is right. I had the fencing you posted and the first time a neighbor's dog was chasing the deer, it got ripped out.

The fencing from Deer Busters is good to go. Mine has been up since 1997 and is still good.

https://www.deerbusters.com/

If I had it to do over, I would use 1x2 inch by 3 foot high wire fence with four feet of deer fence added for a total height of seven feet. The squirrels, raccoons, rabbits and ground hogs will chew the plastic fence to get through.

you didn't say where you are, deer very a lot in size. At least in NE where I live its all about height. Deer easily jump 6' horse fencing in my pastures. For realistic protection you need 8' and 10 is better, the actual material doesn't matter too much.

Thanks for the replies. They certainly give me a number of options to consider.

JALLEN, you must have your hands full maintaining 1000' of fence! Fox urine and mothballs both sound worth a try in conjunction with some sort of fencing. I also like the idea of a motion-activated sprinkler but won't have water available in the area 24/7 for some time yet.

Gustofer, I don't have the option of not letting them see what's on the other side as that would essentially block out sunlight so I guess I'm stuck with a 6-7 ft. fence.

So far, most of the deer I've seen seem to be around 70-85 lbs. I'm liking 41's idea of a combo fence. Maybe something like this on the bottom and then some sort of poly deer fencing above that. Since it's only 16 ga., it should be much easier to work with than the 14 ga. taller fencing I was considering initially.

In the beginning, I used chicken wire along the bottom but it will rust out in 10 years or so.

I replaced it with the 1x2 inch that is 2 feet high. Here is the same fence in a 5 foot height using 14 gauge which should last a long time:

https://www.ruralking.com/red-...-14-gauge-77467.html

quote:

Originally posted by FiveFiveSixFan:
Gustofer, I don't have the option of not letting them see what's on the other side as that would essentially block out sunlight so I guess I'm stuck with a 6-7 ft. fence.

So far, most of the deer I've seen seem to be around 70-85 lbs. I'm liking 41's idea of a combo fence. Maybe something like this on the bottom and then some sort of poly deer fencing above that. Since it's only 16 ga., it should be much easier to work with than the 14 ga. taller fencing I was considering initially.

I'm in the same boat just given my latitude. Even though the area I've constructed is roughly 40'X40', the shade would not be too conducive to good gardening. I'm using 6' welded wire with a foot or so of lattice on top of that. I've got quite a bit of time and money sunk into it, but I wanted something quality, so....

Another option for you that a buddy of mine did was using cattle panels ( like these) around the bottom and then the poly fencing above that. He claims to have good luck with it. They're premade in 8' lengths so pretty easy to install.

I tried your linked fabric, it was so sheer the deer couldn't see it and tore it down jumping in.
Deer haven't gotten used to the idea that my garden is my property and not theirs.
What I topped my fence line with was 4' construction safety fencing, not one deer got in last summer.
You can see the fence in the background in this picture. The total height with fence and fabric is 8'

I've seen deer jump 6ft fences with ease.

Tall is what you want, no matter the material.

Electric fence right at nose level. Once they touch it, jumping over it will be the last thing on their mind.

quote:

Originally posted by Jus228:
Electric fence right at nose level. Once they touch it, jumping over it will be the last thing on their mind.

Used to have a neighbor who swore by that method. Then they lost their entire garden literally overnight. The following year he built a fortress not unlike the one I'm building.

A motivated deer will go under, over, or through an electric fence.

I am surrounded by agriculture fields. Hundreds and hundreds of acres. At night you'll hear the faint crack of a 22Rf. That's what the farmers use in this area. The deer don't seem to be diminished as in hunting season you are allowed (5)deer per tag. I allow hunting by permission on our property which is basically hardwoods. I've had individuals max out their tags.

A good active dog

quote:

Originally posted by Jus228:
Electric fence right at nose level. Once they touch it, jumping over it will be the last thing on their mind.

I have used this for years. Train them early by putting a dab of peanut butter on the wire and hang flagging tape to remind them where the wires are. You need two strands to keep the fawns out.

A friend got tired of deer in his garden. He dropped 16' telephone poles in the ground as fence posts and has two rows (one above the other) of what he described as 'horse fence.' I think the height comes out about 8 feet. He can add one additional row of horse fence if he needs to. He used cattle gates at the entrance - again one above the other. I think he fenced in 2 - 3 acres.