DIY Deer Fence Installation & Planning

Deer fence posts should generally be spaced 8 to 14 feet apart, depending on the fencing material and terrain.

Based on our installation recommendations:

• Metal fence on flat terrain: 8–12 feet apart

• Metal fence on hilly terrain: Approximately 8 feet apart

• Poly fence on flat terrain: 10–14 feet apart

• Poly fence on hilly terrain: Approximately 10 feet apart

Metal welded wire fencing generally requires closer post spacing than poly fencing. Uneven or hilly terrain also requires closer spacing to help the fence follow the contours of the ground and maintain a secure barrier.

These are our general recommendations. Additional posts may be necessary around corners, gates, changes in direction, or challenging terrain.

For more information, visit our Deer Fence Installation Getting Started page.

We strongly recommend tension cables for most permanent deer fence installations.

Tension cables help support the fencing material, maintain its shape, and keep the fence secure between posts.

Depending on the fencing system and installation, we typically recommend cables along the top, middle, and bottom of the fence.

The bottom cable is particularly important because deer may try to push underneath fencing rather than jump over it. A properly secured bottom helps prevent openings from developing along the ground.

Learn more in our Deer Fence Installation Guide.

Yes. Proper bracing is an essential part of building a strong deer fence and should be installed from the beginning.

Corners, ends, and gate openings require additional reinforcement because these locations carry the tension created by the fencing system.

Our deer fence systems are designed so the posts, bracing, and tension cables work together as one structure. As the cables are tightened, the entire framework becomes a strong, stable unit that supports the fencing material.

Bracing helps distribute the tension throughout the system and keeps the posts properly supported. Without it, the fence cannot maintain the structural strength it was designed to have.

The key is to build the complete support system correctly from the start, rather than treating bracing as an optional addition.

Learn about our Professional Deer Fence System.

Deer fencing can be installed on uneven or sloped terrain, but proper post placement is especially important to ensure the fence follows the natural contours of the ground without leaving gaps underneath.

Place a post wherever the slope changes, such as where the ground begins to rise, fall, or level out. This helps the fence follow the terrain and prevents gaps along the bottom.

For hilly terrain, our recommended post spacing is approximately 8 feet for metal fencing and 10 feet for poly fencing. However, posts may need to be placed closer together wherever the slope changes.

For properties with rocks, tree roots, or difficult soil conditions, post placement may also need to be adjusted.

The key is to plan your post locations around the terrain, not just the distance between posts. Taking the time to identify changes in elevation before installation helps create a secure fence that follows the landscape.

Our Getting Started Installation Guide can help you plan your fence layout.

You don't necessarily need to bury a deer fence, but the bottom should always be secured to prevent deer and other animals from pushing underneath.

For many installations, we recommend a bottom tension cable and ground stakes to keep the fencing close to the ground and minimize small gaps caused by ruts or uneven terrain.

If digging animals are a concern, the fencing can also be buried or flared outward along the ground. Depending on the material and animal pressure, we often recommend extending the fencing approximately 6–12 inches.

This can provide additional protection against animals such as dogs, rabbits, and groundhogs.

The most important thing is to prevent animals from getting underneath the fence, whether you accomplish that with ground stakes, a bottom tension cable, or additional buried or flared fencing.

You don't need professional measuring equipment to estimate how much deer fencing you'll need. There are several ways to measure your proposed fence line.

1. Use a measuring wheel or long tape measure. If you have access to either tool, walk the planned fence line and measure each section. Add the measurements together to determine the total linear footage.

2. Use Google Maps. Open Google Maps on a computer, find your property, and switch to satellite view. Right-click where your fence will begin and select Measure distance. Click along your proposed fence line, adding points at corners or changes in direction. Google Maps will display the total distance. This is a useful starting estimate, although it may not account for slopes or uneven terrain.

3. Estimate the distance by walking. If you don't have measuring equipment, you can count your steps along the proposed fence line and estimate the distance. First, measure a short distance, such as 20 feet, and count how many normal steps it takes you to walk it. Divide 20 by your step count to estimate your average feet per step. Then multiply that number by the total steps along your fence line.

For example, if you take 10 steps to walk 20 feet, your average step is approximately 2 feet. Walking 150 steps along your proposed fence line would give you an estimated distance of 300 feet.

Our recommendation: Use whichever method is most convenient to get an initial estimate, then confirm your measurements before ordering materials. For irregularly shaped properties, measure each section separately and add them together.

Visit our Deer Fence Installation Getting Started page for additional planning guidance.

The tools needed for a DIY deer fence installation depend on whether you're installing our Professional or Standard System and whether you're using metal or poly fencing.

Standard installation tools:

• Standard Post Driver (Professional System)

• Driving cap and sledgehammer (Standard System)

• Long-nose pliers

• Magnetic level

• 9/16-inch wrench or deep socket

• 1/2-inch wrench or deep socket

• Hand socket wrench

Highly recommended tools:

• Cordless power drill (3/8 inch)

• 11/64-inch drill bit

• DeWalt compound-action long-nose pliers

• 100- or 250-foot measuring tape

• 1/4-inch drive socket adapter for power tightening of nuts

Optional tools, depending on your installation:

• Additional drill bits

• Standard-size post-hole digger (for driveway gates or direct-burial posts)

• One-sided tool belt with deep pocket

• Cordless reciprocating saw (Sawzall)

• 6-inch metal-cutting Sawzall blade with medium metal teeth

Cutting your fencing material: Metal welded wire fencing requires appropriate wire cutters. Poly deer fencing can be cut with a good-quality pair of kitchen scissors.

Not every installation requires every tool listed above. The specific tools you'll need will depend on your fencing system and site conditions.

For more information, visit our How to Install a Deer Fence page.