As the popularity of safaris in Africa, Red Stag hunting in New Zealand, and monster Whitetail Deer hunting in the United States, has increased, so has the controversy surrounding high fences to hold these animals. Many high fence concessions encompass thousands of acres, while others comprise much smaller parcels. Game animals are allowed to roam, at will, inside these fences but cannot escape beyond the perimeter. While there are many good arguments on both sides of this issue, I would like to present a few in favor:

1. Genetics:

Many high fence concessions, especially true in the United States and Canada, invest thousands of dollars to enhance the genetics of their whitetail deer and elk herds through careful management and breeding programs. In many cases the fences serve as a barrier to inferior animals intruding inside the fence during mating season, rather than a barrier to escape.

2. Habitat Management:

Like genetics, most hunting preserves, maintain a year around habitat management and improvement program. Increasing the nutritional value of food plots, maintaining adequate water sources, and insuring enough bedding cover are only a few of the habitat improvements carried on by these property owners.

3. Hunting Difficulty:

Most non-hunters associate high fences with "canned hunts", when many times just the opposite is true. Many concessions are so large that a hunter may never even encounter a fence during their hunt. The hunt is conducted in a fair chase manner and the animals have a great ability to elude hunters, as if there were no fences in place.

4. Guaranteed Tags/Licenses:

Unlike public hunting, most hunting preserves or concessions do not require a draw or lottery to obtain tags. The hunter can plan his hunt, knowing that he will be able to obtain all the necessary tags during the year he or she plans to hunt.

These are just a few reasons why high fence concessions are an integral part of our hunting culture. Please feel free to add your thoughts, either pro or con. Just like other controversies in our hunting culture, this argument will not be settled quickly. However, there is room for everyone to enjoy this great sport we treasure, in the manner that they are most comfortable pursuing it. I believe high fences will continue to offer a viable alternative to public land hunting for many of our fellow hunters.

Remember, time in the field is a gift, savor it.

Until next time, Happy Hunting.