(a) Fences for deer or elk.--In areas of this Commonwealth where deer and elk are present on lands open to public hunting and are, in a material way, injuring or destroying farm crops, fruit orchards or commercial tree nurseries where ornamental or fruit trees are grown for sale or regeneration on commercial forest lands, the owners or lessees of such farms, fruit orchards, commercial tree nurseries or commercial forest lands may make application to the commission for assistance in the erection of a deterrent fence. Except where produce is raised for market on a commercial basis, the provisions of this section shall not apply to gardens or truck patches.

(b) Fences for bears.--In areas of this Commonwealth where bears are present on lands open to public hunting and are, in a material way, damaging or destroying beehives where ten or more hives are placed at one location or imminent danger exists of such damage or destruction, the owner of such beehives may make application to the director for assistance in the erection of a deterrent fence.