Game Fence Guide: Choosing the Best for CWD & Asset Protection

Why a High-Security Game Fence is a Critical Investment

For landowners with large properties, a high-security game fence is more than just a boundary line; it's a critical tool for asset management. Whether you're running a commercial hunting preserve or protecting valuable agricultural resources, a well-built fence is your first line of defense and control.

Protecting Your Assets and Managing Wildlife

The primary purpose of a game fence is twofold: to keep valuable game animals in and to keep destructive, unwanted wildlife out. For hunting preserves across the Southeast, this means containing carefully managed deer populations to ensure a quality experience for clients. For farmers and ranchers in the Florida Panhandle, it means excluding feral hogs and other animals that can destroy crops and threaten livestock.

Modern wildlife management, like that seen at large operations, relies on this infrastructure to protect the genetic quality of a herd and manage populations effectively. A strong, tall fence is an investment that directly protects your property's value and your operational success.

The New Urgency: Understanding CWD Biosecurity Regulations

The landscape for wildlife management changed dramatically with the confirmation of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Georgia in January 2025 Georgia Department of Natural Resources. This fatal neurological disease has made biosecurity a top priority, leading to strict new regulations from both the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

These regulations now mandate that properties with captive cervids install an 8 ft deer fence built to specific standards. To be compliant, fences must be made from high-tensile, 12.5-gauge, Class 3 galvanized steel wire with a fixed knot deer fence design. This requirement makes choosing the right fence critical for legal operation and preventing disease spread.

Long-Term Value vs. Short-Term Cost

While the initial cost of a high-tensile game fence is higher than traditional options, its long-term value is unmatched. These advanced fencing systems are engineered to last 25 to 30 years with minimal maintenance. When you compare that to older fence types that may need replacement in just a decade, the total cost of ownership is significantly lower.

Investing in a quality fence upfront saves you money on repairs, upkeep, and premature replacement. It's a one-time investment in decades of security and peace of mind for your property.

Choosing the Best Game Fence Materials & Design

Not all fences are created equal, especially when it comes to containing large, powerful animals and withstanding the harsh southeastern climate. The material and design of your game fence are the most important factors that determine its effectiveness and lifespan.

The Gold Standard: High-Tensile Fixed Knot Fencing

The clear winner for modern game management is the high-tensile fixed knot deer fence. This is not your grandfather's field fence. Its design features a solid, non-slip knot that locks vertical and horizontal wires together, preventing sagging, stretching, and distortion from animal impacts.

This type of high wire fence is made from high-carbon steel with a tensile strength over 50,000 PSI. A single strand of 12.5-gauge wire has a breaking strength of nearly 1,400 pounds. This incredible strength allows for wider post spacing, reducing installation costs without sacrificing security.

Key Specifications: Fence Height, Wire Gauge, and Galvanization

To build a fence that truly lasts, you need to pay attention to the technical details. Here's what matters most:

• Fence Height: The 8-foot standard is non-negotiable. White-tailed deer can easily clear a six-foot fence FWC, making an 8 ft deer fence essential for reliable containment and CWD compliance.
• Wire Gauge: The ideal game fence wire is 12.5-gauge high-tensile steel. It offers the perfect balance of strength, durability, and workability for a secure installation.
• Galvanization: In the humid climate of South Georgia and coastal areas, rust is the enemy. Class 3 galvanization provides a thick zinc coating that resists corrosion for up to 30 years. For properties on the coast, like in the Florida Panhandle, an even thicker Class 40 coating offers maximum protection against salt spray.

Comparing Alternatives: Woven Wire, Chain-Link, and Plastic Mesh

You may see other, cheaper fence types on the market, but they are poor choices for serious, long-term wildlife management. Traditional hinged-joint woven wire sags and loses tension over time. Chain-link is costly and not designed for agricultural pressure, while plastic mesh is easily damaged and degrades in the sun.

Most importantly, these alternatives do not meet the new biosecurity standards for CWD prevention. Investing in anything less than a high-tensile fixed knot system is a risk to your animals, your property, and your compliance with state and federal laws.

Budgeting and Installation in the Tri-State Area

Understanding the costs and process of installing a high-security game fence is the final step in making a smart investment. Prices and methods can vary across the Southeast, but the principles of a quality installation remain the same.

Breaking Down the Costs: A Look at Installation in South Georgia

When looking for a game fence for sale, remember that the final price includes both materials and professional labor. Across the tri-state area, you can expect installation to average between $6 and $15 per linear foot HomeAdvisor. Costs can lean toward the higher end in areas with challenging terrain, such as the rolling hills of South Georgia or parts of South Alabama, where more labor is required.

A professionally installed 8-foot fixed knot fence is a significant project, but its cost reflects the quality of materials and the expertise required to build a structure that will last for decades.

For landowners ready to upgrade their property, our High Tensile Fence Installation service provides a durable, long-lasting solution built to withstand Southeastern conditions.

Professional Installation vs. DIY: A Risk Analysis

The strength of high-tensile fencing comes from proper tensioning, which requires specialized equipment like post drivers and wire stretchers. A DIY installation without the right tools and expertise often leads to fence failure. Improperly set posts, inadequate bracing, and incorrect tension can result in a fence that sags, breaks, and fails to contain animals.

Furthermore, an improperly built fence will not meet the strict regulatory standards for CWD containment, putting your entire operation at risk. For a project this critical, professional installation is the only way to guarantee performance and compliance.

The Bomann Fencing Process: What to Expect

At Bomann Fencing, we build your fence right the first time so it lasts for generations. Our process begins with a thorough site assessment, where we listen to your needs and analyze your property's unique terrain. We then provide a detailed, transparent quote based on a custom plan for your land.

We use only superior materials, including heavy .60 CCA pressure-treated posts that far exceed industry standards. Our construction methods, such as deep-set H-braces at every corner and end, ensure your fence can withstand the pressure of animals and the forces of nature. We are farmers serving farmers, and we bring decades of hands-on agricultural experience to every project, building a fence we would trust on our own ranch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Game Fencing

How much does an 8 ft deer fence cost per foot in Florida?

In Florida, the cost to install a professional-grade 8 ft deer fence typically ranges from $6 to $15 per linear foot. The final price depends on factors like terrain, site accessibility, material quality, and the total length of the fence.

What is the best type of game fence for CWD prevention in Georgia?

For CWD prevention in Georgia, regulations require a specific type of game fence. The best and most compliant option is an 8-foot high, high-tensile steel fence with a fixed knot design, constructed with at least 12.5-gauge, Class 3 galvanized wire.

How long does a fixed knot deer fence last in the humid Southeast climate?

A professionally installed fixed knot deer fence using Class 3 galvanized wire is designed to last 25 to 30 years, even in the humid Southeast. For coastal areas with salt spray, upgrading to Class 40 galvanization can extend its lifespan even further.

Can I get a permit to build a high wildlife fence on my property in South Alabama?

Yes, but procedures vary by county. Most jurisdictions in South Alabama require a permit for fences exceeding a certain height, typically six or eight feet. It is crucial to check with your local county planning and zoning department to ensure your project complies with all local setback and height regulations before starting construction.

Your Partner for a Secure, Long-Lasting Game Fence

In today's environment, a high-security game fence is no longer a luxury—it's a strategic necessity. A CWD-compliant, high-tensile fixed knot deer fence is the only reliable, long-term solution for serious landowners in the Southeast who need to manage wildlife and protect their assets. This is an investment in biosecurity, property value, and operational stability.

To protect your investment and ensure your property meets the highest standards, partner with an agricultural fencing expert who understands your needs. Contact Bomann Fencing today for a comprehensive consultation for your property in the Florida Panhandle, South Georgia, or South Alabama.