Boundary fence specifications
Fencing specifications are required to prevent deer escaping the property, and may minimise risk of predation.
Gates
Gates must be closed at all times to prevent escape. In some situations, DPIRD may require a double-gate system to be installed. All gates must be at least 2 metres from the ground to the top of the gate.
Fence line
The fence line must be kept sufficiently clear of trees to prevent damage caused by falling trees or branches.
Fence height
A boundary fence must be at least 2m from ground level to the top. This may need to be increased where there is high ground inside, within 3m of the fence. It is recommended that there is a 2-metre clear buffer between the fence and any tree line.
Wire
Fabricated mesh for boundary fencing for all types of deer is specified as 17/190/15 or 13/190/30 for red deer only. Two lengths of livestock ring lock placed one on top of the other is acceptable; so long as the dimensions of the fence are equivalent to 17/190/15, there is considerable overlap, and the lengths are joined by a continuous threaded wire. There should be no protrusions that could cause injuries. The wire should be attached to the inside of the perimeter fence posts where possible.
Strainer posts and assemblies
Strainer posts and assemblies can be made of steel, hardwood or treated pine of appropriate dimensions and should be heavy duty and well-stayed.
The strainer assembly must be sunk to a depth and built to specifications recommended by the netting manufacturer. However it is recommended that strainers be sunk not less than 1m into the ground; in certain soils (e.g. sand) the depth should be greater. The strainer assembly itself should be around 3.6m long. It is also recommended that the maximum distance between strainers be 150m.
Line post spacing
Line posts should be no more than 20m apart. If the posts are 15m apart, 1 half-height line post must be placed within each 15m span.
In undulating terrain line posts should be no more than 10m apart.
Pegging down and stoning
The bottom line wire must be fastened with pegs securely anchored in the ground or alternatively a barbed wire can be used along the bottom of the fence. In undulating areas the fence must be pegged at the bottom. Only steel, hardwood or treated timber pegs should be used. In heavy soil the pegs must penetrate at least 40cm, in light ground at least 75cm.
Where the fence line crosses waterways and erosion-prone areas, stones or other appropriate material must protect it.
Fence and yard maintenance
The approved fencing and yards must be maintained so that they remain effective at all times in preventing the escape of deer and are safe for the animals, for those attending them and for the public.
Loss of deer
It is illegal to free deer and there is a legal obligation on all those holding deer to prevent them escaping.
There is also an obligation on the permit holder to immediately report to DPIRD the escape or theft of deer held under permit.
It is illegal to release or abandon a declared pest that is kept under the authority of a permit and a person keeping deer has a legal obligation to prevent animals escaping. Under regulation 22 of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Regulations 2013 the penalty for knowingly releasing a declared pest is a fine of $ 20,000.
Record keeping
DPIRD will request from each permit holder an annual stocktake of the species and number of deer obtained and disposed of each year. Inspections will be undertaken on properties where a stocktake form has not been returned within the month. Those to whom deer have been sold (apart from abattoirs and persons outside WA) must be listed. This collected information is confidential.
Deer can only be disposed of to a person holding a current permit for deer unless the animals are being sent to an abattoir for slaughter or exported interstate or overseas.