Field Fencing just north of northern border of Minnesota

[MapleLeafFarmer]

Hi Friends... looking for some advice from fence "experts".

I am building a cottage / hunt camp on a 5a 100% treed lot I purchased which is next to 10's of thousand of acres of crown / huntable land.
I am going to fence the lot to help keep my dogs from bolting when they see a deer, rabbit, etc... Dogs are 90 pound rottis.

I am wondering what post spacing I should use??

Fence is going to be used to contain a few dogs only when I am outside to stop them from bolting. High tensile field fencing is going to be used (10476 - 12 1/2 fencing which is 10 horizonal wires, 47" total height, 6" vertical spacing and 12 1/2g horizontal wires).
Wooden fence post 4" dia on the runs, 7' long, set 3' in ground. Will auger holes with a 3pt hitch auger. Soil type is 100% virgin packed sand with native ground cover being evergreen lodge pole pine with a little moss, blueberry bushes and wild strawberry ground cover.

any advice? I am thinking of 16' as not like I am trying to stop cattle/horses. etc... But I also want it to not look like heck for the long run as well.

with thanks in advance

 

[Western]

for the best "look" I'd go 10', that would almost double your line strength also.

You may opt to use the wood post in conjunction with "T" post alternating them.

 

[idaho2]

Can any of your dogs jump over or climb a 4 foot fence. You may want to go higher. I suppose you have wolves up there and a 6' fence is no object for any them to clear. Hate to see a post about your pets becoming food for wolves. Just a thought.

idaho2

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

for the best "look" I'd go 10', that would almost double your line strength also.

You may opt to use the wood post in conjunction with "T" post alternating them.

Can any of your dogs jump over or climb a 4 foot fence. You may want to go higher. I suppose you have wolves up there and a 6' fence is no object for any them to clear. Hate to see a post about your pets becoming food for wolves. Just a thought.

idaho2

both great thoughts to consider.

For looks the idea of going shorter / closer spacing is great. I think I will do 10' along the front line as it is only 300yds or so and is where people will see when they drive up to my place. Sides / back not so important for looks as no one will really see them.

I am not too worried about the height but something to consider as well. Dogs are not out for long periods of time and almost always when I am close by. Main concern is someone walking on the gravel road in front of my place which is rare or a car zzipping by and not wanting any of the dogs to take a run or be on the road as sometimes they bolt and loose concentration when they see things "shiny". most times after a short run they realize dad is calling them and come right back but the first 10 seconds can be interesting until they realize dad is pissed at them.

thanks again

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I would go 12' all the way around. 16' will allow your fence to sag in the middles a lot easier. Even if you pull the fence tight during install it will still sag as it stretches. The biggest issue though with any fence is to install proper corners. If you build a good corner then the run will hold up and look better over the life of the fence. Go cheap and do a poor job on the corner and the fence will look like crap within a year. Have fun with your project.