How do I assess a game farm’s high fencing and handling pens?

A game farm lives or dies on containment. Walk the perimeter, ideally with a fencing contractor. Look at post condition, wire tension, gate latches, corners, water crossings and ground erosion at the base. Ask about trees that have fallen, storms that did damage, and any animals that have escaped or entered.

Handling pens need a different eye. Look at the layout, the surfaces and the way animals move through. Cramped or poorly built pens can injure animals and people. Ask how often they are used, who handles the animals, and what training that person has.

Ask also about the records. Can the seller show animal counts, ages, health notes and movement in and out? Compare them with what you see. Because liability and insurance can be complicated for this kind of operation, ask your lawyer and an insurance broker what questions to put to the seller before you go further. Ask how storms, snow and wildlife have tested the fence in the past, and how quickly damage was found and mended. Speed of repair matters as much as strength.

Key takeaways

• Walk the perimeter and every gate, ideally with a fencing contractor, and look closely at the corners.
• Judge the handling pens on layout, surfaces and the ease of moving animals.
• Ask about escapes and storm damage, and take liability questions to your lawyer.
• Ask how fast past fence damage was found and repaired.