Techniques to construct New Zealand elk-proof fence.

Larry D. Bryant; Jack W. Thomas; Mary M. Rowland

doi:10.2737/PNW-GTR-313

Treesearch

Techniques to construct New Zealand elk-proof fence.

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Larry D. Bryant, Jack W. Thomas, Mary M. Rowland

Year:

1993

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/PNW-GTR-313

Source:

Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-313. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 17 p

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Abstract

An elk-proof fence was built in 1987 at the Starkey Experimental Forest and Range in northeast Oregon. The 25,000-acre research enclosure holds several hundred Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni V. Bailey) and Rocky Mountain mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus Rafinesque) year round. The fence, constructed with high-tensile Tightlock woven wire from New Zealand, is 8 feet high and requires minimal maintenance. Tension curves in the wire, unique to Tightlock deer fence, make it elastic. Injury to animals is minimized by this inherent "shock absorbing action." Techniques for constructing the fence and costs of materials and labor are discussed.

Keywords

Woven wire fencing, high-tensile fence, wildlife fence, deer and elk management, deer and elk research, New Zealand fence, Starkey Experimental Forest and Range

Citation

Bryant, Larry D.; Thomas, Jack W.; Rowland, Mary M. 1993. Techniques to construct New Zealand elk-proof fence. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-313. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 17 p