As an integrated manufacturer with our own ISO-certified facility, we combine hands-on production control with years of field expertise to deliver a product that truly solves a persistent challenge: crop depredation by wild ungulates, specifically white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and elk (Cervus canadensis).
The Scale of the Problem
Deer and elk are not mere nuisances; they are economic threats. An adult deer can consume 4–10 lbs of crop foliage daily, while an elk can exceed 20 lbs. Beyond consumption, both species cause trampling damage and soil compaction, particularly during growing seasons for high-value crops such as soybeans, corn, berries, orchard trees, and vine grapes. Conventional deterrents – repellents, scare devices, or single-strand electric wires – often yield only temporary relief due to habituation. For long-term, sustainable protection, a physical exclusion barrier remains the gold standard.
Pauleen's Technical Approach: High Tensile, Heavy-Duty Exclusion
Our Pauleen High Fence System is designed around three core engineering principles: height, mesh geometry, and tensile strength.
Optimal Height (7.5–8 ft / 2.3–2.4 m)
Research from agricultural extension studies indicates that while deer can clear a 6 ft fence, they rarely attempt an 8 ft barrier if properly designed. Elk, due to their larger body mass and different jumping mechanics, are effectively deterred by a minimum of 7.5 ft. Pauleen's standard high fence rolls are manufactured at 8 ft, eliminating the need for stacking or splicing.
Specialized Mesh Configuration
Our fencing features a non-climb, rectangular mesh with vertical stays spaced at 2" × 4" (5 cm × 10 cm) in the lower 3 ft – this prevents fawns (young deer) from squeezing through. Above that, the mesh transitions to a 6" × 6" (15 cm × 15 cm) pattern, reducing wind load while maintaining visual transparency, which encourages animals to perceive the barrier rather than attempt to crash through.
Material and Coating
Core wire: High-carbon steel, 12.5–14 gauge, with a breaking strength exceeding 1,200 lbs per linear foot of mesh.
Protective layer: Triple-layer PVC coating (primer + adhesive + UV-stabilized topcoat), offering >1,500 h salt-spray resistance. This guarantees a functional lifespan of 20+ years under agricultural exposure, including manure, fertilizers, and freeze-thaw cycles.
Why Choose Pauleen's Own Factory?
Unlike resellers or generic importers, Pauleen controls every step of production:
In-line galvanization: We use a continuous hot-dip galvanizing process prior to PVC coating, ensuring complete coverage even on wire interiors – no bare edges that could corrode.
Custom roll lengths: Standard rolls are 100 ft, 200 ft, or 328 ft (100 m), but we can produce bespoke lengths up to 1,000 ft per roll to minimize field splices.
Pre-formed selvage edges: The top and bottom wires are crimped with reinforced loops, facilitating rapid attachment to tension wire or wooden posts without loose ends.
Installation Best Practices for Maximum Effectiveness
A superior fence requires correct deployment. We recommend:
Tensioned system: Use 4" × 4" pressure-treated wooden posts spaced 15 ft apart, with 0.5" diameter horizontal tension wires (top and bottom) that allow the mesh to be stretched to 150–200 lbs of tension. This eliminates sagging – a common failure point.
Ground-level seal: Bury the bottom 6–8 inches of mesh in a shallow trench or secure it with landscape staples. Deer and elk are not burrowers, but they will exploit gaps >4 inches.
Wildlife-friendly gates: Pair with Pauleen's spring-loaded or double-latch gates to maintain complete perimeter integrity.
Proven Results from the Field
Independent trials on midwestern orchards using Pauleen's 8 ft high fence recorded a 97.3% reduction in crop loss over three growing seasons, compared to unprotected control plots. Orchard managers also noted secondary benefits: reduced need for chemical repellents and lower labor costs for damage assessment.
Available Now
Pauleen's Deer & Elk High Fence is available in two lines:
Standard Agricultural Grade (14 ga) – For row crops and pastures.
Heavy-Duty Orchard Grade (12.5 ga) – For high-value perennials and nurseries.
All products are stocked for immediate shipment from our factory warehouses. Bulk pricing, custom heights (up to 10 ft), and private-label options are available for commercial farms, cooperatives, and government wildlife exclusion projects.