Grazing Enclosures
Last updated on July 9, 2026
Why Enclosures Matter
- Used to compare grazed and ungrazed areas for crop damage assessment
- Help support accurate wildlife damage compensation
- Without grazing enclosures, loss determination will be based on the evidence available at the time, which may result in reduced observed losses
Responsibility
- Enclosures are the landowner’s responsibility
Placement
- Must be placed where wildlife commonly graze.
- Place enclosures in areas that represent typical damage, such as:
- Field edges near forests
- Riparian or wet areas
- Locations with frequent wildlife activity
- Avoid Placing Enclosures In:
- Low spots
- Wet areas
- Hilltops
- Areas with extra fertilizer or soil amendments not applied to the whole field
Number and Size
- 1–3 enclosures per field (large fields may need more)
- A field is a crop of the same age, type, and growing conditions
- Each enclosure must protect at least 1 m² of crop
Construction Requirements
Enclosures must
- Be strong and securely staked
- Be tall enough to stop animals reaching over
- Have fencing tight enough to prevent reaching through
- Include a top cover to keep wildlife out
Recommended Materials
Deer & Elk
- Stucco wire (chicken wire is too weak)
- Frame: 2” x 4” lumber
- Stakes: rebar, T‑bars, metal or wood (30 cm into ground)
- X‑frame across the top for stability
Waterfowl
- PVC pipe frame
- Hard wire cloth or fishnet
Other Options
- Livestock panels fastened together (typically four per cage)
- Materials must allow normal crop growth and prevent grazing
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Contact information
Contact your local office for advice and information about crop loss and damage due to wildlife.