How High can a Deer Jump?

There is no doubt that deer possess incredible agility. They can run fast, jump high, and even swim well. Because of their agility, they can adapt and survive in heavily populated areas. 

The maximum height that deer can jump will depend on the deer type. Many species of deer can jump up to seven feet high, but some can jump even higher; many wildlife observers have claimed that a running deer with their jump can cover a distance of 15-20 feet! 

So, if you live in an area with lots of deer activity, you might be concerned about your lawn or garden. So, it is important to know how high a deer can jump to prevent occurring any damage to your property. 

In this blog post, I will highlight why deer jump and how you can protect your property and outdoor garden from deer. What should be the height of the fence, and what are the types of fences ideal for deer protection?

So, let’s get started.

Why do deer jump?

You might have wondered why deer jump so often. The short answer is to make them faster, which will make predators less of a threat. In order to protect themselves, they jump as high as they can when they’re being chased.

When deer encounter fences, they don’t always leap over them. Instead, they follow their natural preservation instinct, which helps them adapt to their surroundings. Due to this instinct, many deer can jump even the highest gates or fences without issue, avoiding humans or other potential dangers. 

Which deer species can jump higher?

Whitetail deer can jump the highest as they are lightweight, more agile, and very vigilant as compared to other deer species. They also have a strong sense of smell. They can jump as high as 10 feet while running. 

Can a deer jump fence?

Yes, deer can jump a fence with ease. Normal fences are 4 feet high, which is too low to prevent deer from entering the area.  

Deer are shy animals by nature, but if something catches their eye or smells good, they’ll venture into unknown territory. At first glance, an ageless wooden fence may look like the barrier necessary to keep deer out; however, if there’s an apple tree, green leaves or an other fruit on the other side , that same fence looks more like a stepping stone to curious deer. Even tall fences aren’t a problem for deer; their nimble bodies and small legs enables them to climb over them.

So, What should be the height of deer fences? On the safe side, a seven to eight feet fence is good enough. Deer can jump to eight feet as well, but they are less likely to do so as they cant precisely measure actual height and distance, they are less likely to take a chance unless they are chased by predators.

Another trick you can do is to slightly curve the fence at 30-45 degrees to create an illusion for deer and to make them look likely the fence is too high. Secondly, you can place two fences with only a short distance between each other, making it more difficult for deer to climb in.

Jump Height for various species of deer

Mule Deer

Mule deer are also smaller in size and very active, just like other deer species. They can jump up to 4- 5 feet from a standing position. They can run easily at 30 MPH, and while running, they can jump to 10-12 feet easily.

Elk

Elk is one of the heaviest deer specie. And their heavyweight itself acts as a barrier for them for high jumps. From a standing position, they can jump to 3-4 feet. But they are good runners and can gain a speed of 35 MPH (miles per hour), and while running, they can jump to 5-6 feet.

Whitetail

Whitetail deer are common in North America and are hunters’ favourites as well. But they are quicker and trickier to target. They are also known as the smallest members of the deer family in North America. They can jump up to 5 to 6 feet from a standing position, and with a running start, they can jump to 7 to 8 feet and cover a 15-20 feet distance with their jump.

Can Fawns Jump Fences?

It is very unlikely for a newborn fawn to jump a fence. The movement of a baby deer is different from that of an adult, but it eventually learns to overcome physical barriers, just like fences. But don’t expect a fawn to jump very early, especially in its first two months. 

But a three-month-old fawn should have enough practice, and it is likely to jump a fence that’s 3.5 or 4 feet high. Anything higher, and it’s too much for its small body.

Suggested Deer Fencing 

1- Woven Wire Fence

The woven wire deer fence is an effective and efficient way to keep local deer out of your yard. It’s made from durable wood or steel, with wire woven between them, so it’ll stand up to high winds and heavy rain. In addition to being sturdy, it’s also low maintenance. Fencing should be at least 7 feet high and is good enough for deer. With woven wire deer fences, you can make sure your land is secure for years to come.

2- Poly Tape Fence

In backyard gardens and on plots of land, electric poly tape fences are getting more and more popular. In addition to being one of the cheapest types of deer fences to build, it’s also very strong and effective. This kind of fence is made by putting wooden or steel posts at each corner and then stringing poly tape between them. This poly tape is made with woven polyethene threads, making it incredibly durable. Ideally, an electric poly tape fence should be around six feet tall, but if you want more protection, you can go higher.

Final Thoughts

Believe it or not, deer can jump pretty high! Their powerful legs and hooves allow them to propel themselves as high as 10 feet in the air.
So fencing is a good and effective way to protect your garden and yard. It’s important to keep this in mind when building a fence; fences should be high enough so deer can’t jump over them and materials must also be durable enough to withstand their weight and force. Taking both criteria into consideration will help you build a fence that’s functional, safe, and most importantly effective at keeping deer out.

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