Mariposa Ranch

View Original

What's The Difference Between High Fence and Low Fence Whitetail

The debate between high fence and low fence is a fiercely contested one. While there are valid points on both sides here are some of the common myths that high fence hunters promote. We at the Mariposa Ranch are a historic low fence operation with free-ranging deer.

The Top South Texas High Fence Whitetail Myths

Keeping Other Deer Out

One of the top myths that high fence advocates use is that the main purpose of the fence is not to keep their deer in but to keep other deer out. By keeping other deer out, you limit the genetic diversity of your deer herd and this ultimately leads to a more unhealthy, unnatural population. To combat unhealthy deer affecting your population, it’s better to practice deer management instead of just fencing other deer out. With a more measured, calculated approach to management, you can control your population instead of relying on a limited genetic pool.

It’s Fair Chase

Regardless of ranch size, ensuring that deer can’t leave a property due to fencing is unnatural and not fair-chaise. Low fence ranches embrace the true ethics of hunting and if a deer feels too pressured during the season they can simply leave for another property. This creates deer that are more challenging to hunt and has more reward when you harvest one. Additionally, bucks can teach other bucks how to behave which ensures that you don’t have unnatural deer behavior in a low fence operation.

It’s Not Economic

The last myth is that high fence operations are put in for no economic reasons. It is ignorant to pretend that whitetail deer hunting in South Texas isn’t an economic operation. Deer are a revenue resource for ranch owners and managing them scientifically for financial gain has become a common goal. That said, the line should be drawn at encouraging unnatural genetic pools, habitat, and feed for these animals. Low fence operations that encourage deer to stay via good habitat, population numbers and low hunting pressure.

Looking to Book an Outfitted South Texas Whitetail Hunt?


The Mariposa Ranch bears some of the best whitetail habitat in the country. With a whitetail population of over 3,500 on the ranch, the average B&C score is 135 to 140 and the average age is 6.5 to 7 years old. At the Mariposa Ranch, the most difficult aspect of hunting is deciding which buck to shoot!

Book Now.