On steep slopes, the buffer should be wider. Vegetation that touches the fence may divert some of the voltage. If feasible, plan to mow vegetation under the fence. If mowing is not feasible, plan another option for controlling vegetation that may short out the fence. Pull grass by hand, cut shrubs with a machete and trim trees with a chain saw.
Herbicides also control vegetation well.
Preparing the Fence Hot wires should be initially coated with peanut butter and molasses. This mixture attracts elk and deer and ensures that the first contact with the fence will be with the tongue or nose instead of the body insulated by hair. To coat wires with the mixture, combine the peanut butter and molasses to the consistency of thick paint, then use a mop glove to spread the mixture along the wires. AC current chargers are the most reliable and least expensive, but a hard-wire system is not always feasible because many areas are not near electric power sources. Two or more chargers might be more effective if large areas are to be fenced.