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Deer Exclusion Devices and Deterrent Techniques

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF VARIOUS DEER EXCLUSION DEVICES AND DETERRENT TECHNIQUES FOR USE AT AIRPORTS

6. Deer Exclusion Techniques

Methods to exclude white-tailed deer include various types and designs of fences with use of a variety of approaches to deal with the ability of white-tailed deer to jump over or crawl through or under standard-height fences (2.4 m or lower). Fence designs are discussed individually in the subsequent sections. When fences are constructed across existing deer migration paths or across established territories, deer will respond with great determination and adult individuals may leap over barriers of 2.5 m or more from a standstill position. A pursued, startled or cornered white-tailed deer can leap over barriers of 3.1 m (Altmann 1958; Lynwood Williamson, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, pers. comm.; Lee Scherwitz, Airport Manager, Alpena County Regional Airport, Alpena, MI, pers. comm.). Therefore, fence height is a major consideration in exclusion design. Many fence designs also consider the relatively poor depth perception of deer and use three-dimensional fence arrangements to prevent jumping rather than making the fence taller than deer can jump.

When a new fence is constructed, all deer that remain confined by the fence must be removed. A decision to use lethal or non-lethal means of removal requires great attention to safety procedures and to societal responses to the use of lethal means. On the other hand, live-capture and handling of animals requires considerable skill and knowledge and may result in greater public criticism if not conducted properly.

Date modified:
2010-05-03