Adding on new fencing to an exising fence
by Dave Algrem, DNR
It has probably been some time since a number of you have had to deal with new fenced areas but some of you
may be thinking about adding onto your existing fence. If you are please read on. With both DATCP and DNR
involved with WTD fencing and farms some farmers are confused as to which agency to talk to first about starting a
new farm or adding onto one's existing fence.
Here is the proper protocol to follow. If you know the fencing standards you can go ahead and build your fence. If
you are not sure you can find them on a DNR Deer Farm Fence Certificate Application or you can check out DNR
Administrative Code 16.45. Once you understand the fence standards you may complete your fence or addition -
just don't put any deer inside quite yet. When you have finished you must send in a DNR Deer Farm Fence
Certification Application with the appropriate fee to Madison DNR. Note that on this application there is a space
for you to advise DNR if you are double fencing, single fenced and will enroll or have already enrolled in the DATCP
-CWD status program, or are single fenced and 80 plus acres in size and will be a shooting preserve.
From there the DNR warden will come to inspect your fence. Assuming you have followed all the standards the
warden will sign off OK'ing your fence and he will sign off on and mail this application back to Madison. If this is for
a new fenced area Madison will then send you a fence certificate and will also fax a copy of the certificate to
DATCP. DATCP will then mail you your herd registration. From that point on, for those of you single fenced, you
must either enter into the DATCP-CWD status program or be licensed as a DATCP shooting preserve. If you have
chosen a shooting preserve you will be required to fill out a DNR harvest plan to let the DNR know how many deer
you have on your farm that are subject to testing. If this is an addition DNR will mail you a new fence certificate and
fax a copy to DATCP so they can update their records.
So in a nutshell, the DNR fence certificates come first and then you'd go to DATCP for the CWD status program or
shooting preserve license. Please follow through with these stated farm CWD measures after you have received
your herd registration from DATCP.
As always don't hesitate to contact the DNR or DATCP if you have questions. We can help you through the
process.
David K Algrem
Conservation Warden
427 E, Tower Dr., Suite 100
Wautoma, WI. 54982
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(() phone: (920) 787-4686 ext. 3027
(() fax: (920) 787-2477
(+) e-mail: david.algrem@wisconsin.gov