Bridge crossing??

[Daver]

I have more than a couple areas on my farm where steep ditches restrict deer movement. Some of which I am just fine with and others I would like to solve and make a way for deer to cross drainages where they otherwise do not. (OK, it just so happens that these areas are within about 8-15 yards of really nice stand trees.

) I had always thought about dropping in some culverts and then filling in over the top of them to make a natural bridge, I just haven't gotten that done yet.

So I have hatched new plan...

Using some hand-me-down treated lumber from an old deck tear down...what if I built bridges/walkways over some of the narrower sections? I would estimate that the maximum length would be 10'-12' and I would probably go about 4' wide so I could also drive my ATV over them too. I could cover them with old carpet or maybe an indoor/outdoor style so it doesn't rot out too fast and provide some traction for their hooves.

Would deer walk across these bridges or not? Any advice or related experience would be helpful.

 

[pmck]

Good question. I would like to know as well. We have done the culvert in a creek and fill it in with dirt thing. The deer of course use it, but the only problem is that a couple good hard rains and it needs to be filled in again.

 

[gundog870]

throw some dirt and gravel on it. I bet it would be O.K. but I do know that if you did the culvert thing that it would be AWESOME!

 

[teeroy]

if you build a bridge, anything you put over it (carpet, dirt, etc) will hold moisture in, making it rot faster

 

[Field Service]

Build it and pour a trail of shelled corn across it, they'll learn quick!

I agree on the dirt/carpet holding moisture.

Build it quick before the learning becomes baiting.... j

 

[iowaqdm]

Much cheaper and easier to use a culvert. Will also last much longer as well. Be sure to use some bigger rock or busted concrete to help keep it from washing out. With this type of crossing the deer will be using it before you get the equipment loaded on the trailers once done. Be sure to post some pictures of your project before and after.

 

[Daver]

I agree that the culvert would last longer and better in other ways too. But I don't have any culverts or big enough equipment to get the job done. I do have the free lumber though.

Maybe I'll do one of each and see if they use them differently.