Ranch, garden and wildlife-friendly fences
Fences that hold horses and livestock, keep deer out of the garden, and let wildlife move through safely.
Around Missoula, a lot of fencing is about animals: keeping horses and livestock in, keeping deer out of the vegetable garden, and making sure elk and deer crossing a property don't get hung up in wire. Bears add another reason to fence chickens and fruit trees.
What does wildlife-friendly mean?
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' Landowner's Guide to Wildlife Friendly Fences 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
- A smooth bottom wire at least 18 inches off the ground, so fawns and calves can crawl under
- Smooth wire or a rail on top, and a fence that's easy to see, using a rail, high-visibility wire or markers
Keeping deer out of the garden
Deer can jump a lot higher than a typical yard fence. The same FWP guide says a permanent non-electric exclusion fence for deer and elk should be 7 to 8 feet tall, and recommends tight woven wire brought down to the ground for gardens. Inside Missoula city limits, the city allows wildlife fences around garden planting areas only, not around the entire yard, so check the rules before you build.
Electric fencing for bears
FWP and Defenders of Wildlife both promote electric fencing around chicken coops, beehives, fruit trees and other bear attractants. Defenders' Montana program reimburses 50 percent of fence costs, up to $500, for eligible property owners in counties including Missoula, while funding lasts. One important catch: the City of Missoula only allows electric fences on commercial, industrial or agricultural property, so in-town owners should check with the city first.
Ranch and pasture fence
- Wood or vinyl rail fences for horses
- Woven wire for sheep, goats and dogs
- Smooth or barbed wire for cattle on acreage outside the city
- H-braces at corners and gates so the line stays tight
The contractor prices the job after walking the fence line, checking the ground, the slope and any gates, and hearing what the fence needs to do. We don't quote prices, and a number given over the phone before anyone has seen the property is only a ballpark.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How tall does a deer fence need to be?
Montana FWP's guide says a permanent non-electric deer and elk exclusion fence should be 7 to 8 feet tall.
Can I put an electric fence around my chickens in Missoula?
Inside city limits, the city restricts electric fences to commercial, industrial and agricultural properties, so check with the city. Outside the city, it's common in bear country.
Related services
More background: Missoula fence guide.
Need a yard fenced, a gate fixed or a leaning run replaced?
Call now and a local fence contractor will come walk the line and quote the job.