The topic of high-fence hunting has stirred the pot among hunters for decades. It’s controversial, no doubt.
Think back to when deer hunting guru, Noel Feather was on the scene. He was the biggest name in the hunting game back in the 80s. However, a “canned” high-fence hunt, and the controversy to follow, put him out of business.
But is the topic just as hot today? Is high-fence hunting more acceptable today than it was decades ago? It’s a market that seems to be growing expoentially with each passing year, so is it more accepted now?
To get to the bottom of the issue, we asked a number of hunters why they chose to hunt deer with a high-fence outfitter. Read on for a look at why some hunters love it and why other hunters hate it.
Years ago, I went on an elk hunt with my friend, Jim Panetti. I had worked with Jim at several events we tag-teamed on across the mid-west over the years and we developed a friendship. Back in 2017, Jim invited me to be one of his guests on a Colorado elk hunt. The hunt would take place on a popular ranch I had watched the Primos crew hunt elk on in their DVDs years ago.
The hunt lived up to all the hype, and we killed some really good bulls during our time in camp. However, it was on that hunt that Jim realized his age and recent health issues were causing him to lag behind. He couldn’t keep up with the rest of us as we stomped up and down the mountain in search of bulls, much less the packing chores when my tag was punched.
That hunt would be one of Panetti’s last destination hunts that would take place on free range ground. Jim quickly grew a love for high-fence hunts and the endless opportunities they afforded him.
That’s why Jim was the first person that came to mind when I searched for answers as to why some hunters choose to hunt with a high-fence outfitter. Here’s a look at what Jim had to say regarding his move to hunting inside the confines of a high-fence hunting outfit.
When I asked Jim when he first got started hunting high-fence farms and ranches, he quickly replied with a laugh, “It started when I got some money!” “My brother bought me out of the company back in 2012, so I had the money to do the hunts I wanted. The first high-fence hunt was in south Texas. I shot a small buck – probably a cull buck – but it had a nice, wide spread and I was happy with it.”
Why did Jim start hunting high-fence operations?
“At my age, I can’t drag deer out anymore like I use to,” says Panetti. “In my younger days I could hunt however I wanted. From the ground, treestand, or whatever, I was physically able to make it happen. These days, at my age and with the ability to afford it, I’ve got a different way of making it happen.”
Panetti likes all the benefits that come with his favorite high-fence hunting outfits. “I use to get busted all the time sitting out in the wide open,” he says. “Deer smell you too easy. But at these deer farms, they have blinds! Deer can’t smell you nearly as easy when I’m hunting from a blind. And they have heat! You totally get pampered on these hunts. They do all the work for you. From dragging out your deer, to gutting and butchering, they truly take care of you.”
Panetti also enjoys the quantity and quality of deer he encounters on high-fence operations compared to his hunts from the past.
“In the free range world, my biggest buck was a 9-point in 45 years of hunting,” he says. “But hunting high-fence, you can see 25 deer in the field at one time that are all shooter bucks.”
Panetti admits he expects to kill a 200″ buck when he deer hunts these days, and he’s paid anywhere from $7000 to $22,500 to make it happen.
“It’s a much more relaxed hunt, more enjoyable, like a vacation,” says Panetti.
Is High-Fence Hunting Too Easy?
Justin Brazzell is another hunter that took advantage of a high-fence opportunity in recent years. I reached out to Brazzell about his experience and asked about the difficulty involved in such a hunt. Is it truly the “canned hunt” we often hear about from the skeptics?
“The hunt still wasn’t easy,” he said. “Yes, my chances were higher, but I still had to physically stay in the hunt all day. In fact, the hunt itself was about 8 hours due to the fact that there were target bucks that were on the list and a ton of others that weren’t, so it felt very similar to sitting in the stand passing on small spikes and 4 pointers, but in an opposite fashion.”
Brazzell says he spent quite a bit of time spot and stalking the deer he killed. The deer slipped away from him multiple times, much like other low-fence hunts he’s experienced over the years. And one of the target bucks disappeared completely, never to be seen again during his hunt.
When asked if he’d pursue another high-fence hunt again, Brazzell says he’d do it again, for sure.
“I personally feel the odds these days on other non high-fence farms are just as high to me,” he says. “States are allowing feeding, and with the changes in technology with cell cameras, and the funds many have at their disposal to grow big deer – a lot of hunters are turning their farms into a ‘high-fence ranch’ without the fence.”
Dig around on most any high-fence hunting website and you’ll find that guaranteed opportunities, quality of game and controlled environments are the big draw. That’s what keeps hunters like Panetti coming back year after year.
“I got tired of spending all the money to hunt places, sitting all week, and not having success at the end of the hunt,” says Panetti. “High-fence hunting allows me to know I’ll have an enjoyable hunt and the opportunity at a great deer.”
Top Reasons for High-Fence Hunting
Here’s a breakdown of the top reasons we found that hunters step into the high fence for deer each year:
Increased Success Rates – High-fence outfitters manage their game populations, ensuring hunters have a much higher chance of harvesting a trophy animal.
Trophy Quality & Genetics – These operations often invest in selective breeding, habitat management, and nutrition programs, leading to larger, healthier, and more impressive trophy animals.
Controlled Hunting Environment – The enclosed land minimizes risks of animals escaping, overhunting, or pressure from outside hunters, leading to a more stable and predictable experience.
Year-Round Hunting Opportunities – Unlike public land seasons, many high-fence ranches offer year-round hunting for exotics and other species not regulated by typical hunting seasons.
Predictability & Convenience – Hunters with limited time appreciate the efficiency of a well-organized hunt, where success is more predictable than in open-range settings.
Beginner-Friendly Hunts – High fence hunts are great for introducing new hunters, youth, or those with physical limitations to the sport in a controlled setting.
Luxury & Comfort – Many high fence ranches offer upscale accommodations, gourmet meals, and guided services, providing a premium hunting experience.
But what about those on the other side of the fence? What are the critics saying about high-fence hunting?
Here’s a look at why many hunters speak out against high-fence hunting.
Lack of Fair Chase – Many believe high fence hunting eliminates the challenge of fair chase, as animals are confined and cannot escape to truly wild terrain.
Ethical Concerns – The idea of pursuing animals that have limited space to evade hunters leads to accusations of “canned hunting.”
Perception of “Pay-to-Kill” Hunts – High-fence outfitters often charge premium fees for trophy animals, leading critics to claim it prioritizes money over traditional hunting values. Some argue that it turns hunting into a transactional experience rather than a test of skill and perseverance.
Artificial Game Management – Many outfitters selectively breed deer and other species for unnaturally large antlers or specific traits, which some see as unnatural manipulation.
Hunting Experience vs. Shooting – Opponents argue that some high fence hunts lack the difficulty and unpredictability of real hunting, making them more about shooting than hunting. In small or poorly managed enclosures, animals may be too accustomed to humans, making the hunt feel staged.
What do you think? Is high-fence hunting true hunting? It may be challenging, but is it really hunting? Does the size of the enclosure make a difference?
Does the species make a difference? Are there any animals you would hunt from the confines of a high-fence? Comment below, and let us know.
