Missoula Fence Guide: Permits, Deer & Bears (2026)

Updated October 19, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change, so confirm with the agency listed before you start work.

Quick reference

Topic	What to know	Source
City fence permit	Required for new fences and for repairing or replacing 25 ft or more of fence	City of Missoula FAQ
Penalty	Investigation fee equal to the permit fee, plus a fine of up to $500	City of Missoula FAQ
Wire and electric	Barbed wire and electric fences only on commercial, industrial or agricultural property in the city	City of Missoula FAQ
Deer fence	Permanent non-electric deer and elk exclusion fence: 7 to 8 ft tall	Montana FWP
Wildlife-friendly wire	Top wire 40 in., max 42; smooth bottom wire 18 in. or higher	Montana FWP
Bear fence help	50% cost share up to $500 in eligible counties, incl. Missoula	Defenders of Wildlife
Digging	Call 811; lines are marked within about two full business days	MSU Extension

Do I need a permit for a fence in Missoula?

Inside city limits, yes. The City of Missoula says you need a fence permit to build any new fence and to repair or replace 25 feet or more of an existing fence. Applications are submitted online through the city's Permit and Licensing portal, staff review them, and you're emailed when the permit is ready to pay for and issue. The city's Engineering desk handles technical questions. Fences built partly or fully on public right-of-way are considered encroaching fences and carry a higher fee and extra conditions. Building without a permit can bring an investigation fee equal to the permit fee, plus a fine of up to $500. Hedges, which the city treats as living fences, don't need a permit.

What kinds of fences are restricted in town?

The city's FAQ says barbed wire is allowed only on commercial, industrial or agricultural properties, and the same goes for electric fences. Wildlife fences are allowed to protect backyard garden planting areas only, not the entire yard or property. Height limits also apply. Outside city limits, in places like Lolo, Frenchtown, East Missoula and Bonner, these city rules don't apply, but county rules and subdivision covenants may.

How do I keep deer out of a garden?

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' Landowner's Guide to Wildlife Friendly Fences says a permanent non-electric exclusion fence for deer and elk should be 7 to 8 feet tall. For gardens and crops, it describes 8-foot woven wire on posts 8 to 20 feet apart, pulled tight to the ground, with a highly visible top. Inside the city, build it around the garden, not the whole yard.

What about bears?

Black bears are a regular issue around Missoula. FWP's bear management staff point to garbage, chicken feed and pet food left outside as the main draws, and to electric fencing as an effective deterrent that bears learn to avoid. FWP's fence guide says a fence for grizzlies needs an energizer of at least 0.7 joules and 6,000 volts. Defenders of Wildlife's Montana electric fencing program reimburses 50 percent of the cost, up to $500, for eligible properties with attractants like chicken coops, beehives, fruit trees or garbage, in eligible counties including Missoula. Funding is limited and first-come, first-served. Remember the city's limit on electric fences if you live in town.

How should fences on acreage be built for wildlife?

FWP recommends a top wire or rail preferably no higher than 40 inches and never more than 42, at least 12 inches between the top two wires, and a smooth bottom wire at least 18 inches above the ground so fawns and calves can pass under. Smooth wire or a rail on top, and good visibility from a rail, white wire or markers, help keep deer, elk and birds from getting tangled.

What should I know before digging?

MSU Extension explains that you dial 811 to reach Montana811, which notifies utilities, and lines should be marked within two full business days. Private lines after the meter, like power to a shop or water to a livestock tank, aren't located by the free service and are the property owner's responsibility.

Does a fence contractor need to be registered?

Montana's Department of Labor and Industry requires all construction contractors with employees to register. The application fee is $70. The department suggests asking for proof of registration and checking that it's in good standing on its website.

How does Missoula's climate affect a fence?

Missoula has cold, moderately snowy winters and hot, dry summers, with about 14 inches of precipitation a year. Sun and dry air are hard on wood, and freezing ground can lift posts that aren't set deep enough. Ask any contractor how deep they set posts and what finish they recommend.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to build a fence in Missoula?

Inside city limits, yes, for any new fence and for repairing or replacing 25 feet or more of fence. Apply through the city's online Permit and Licensing portal.

Can I use an electric fence for bears in Missoula?

Inside city limits, electric fences are only allowed on commercial, industrial or agricultural property. Outside the city, they're widely used to protect chickens and fruit trees.

How tall should a deer fence be?

Montana FWP says a permanent non-electric deer and elk exclusion fence should be 7 to 8 feet tall.

Missoula fence guide (2026)