Going to put hog panels up around my feeder BC of cows...I plan on using 8’ long panels, 2 on each side. My question is should I make it a square with 16’ on all 4 sides or more of an octagon shape? I think I’ve read deer don’t like corners, but wasn’t sure what y’all recommend with that size. Thanks

Bigger is better, and I wouldn't expect 34" hog panels to keep cows out, especially if they have fed at the feeder.

Go bigger. At least 2 of the 16 foot panels per side, 3 would be better. Cows, if they can reach the corn inside the pin from outside, will push the panel over and eventually get in the pen.

Put T post in the middle of the panels. We make our pens 10-12 panels in circles or ovals.

Agree with others round is better and 8 eight foot pannels, or 4 16 foot pannels is too small. Deer do not like small confined areas it will keep some deer from going in.

10 - 16' panels arranged in a circle / semi circle is what I consider the bare minimum, I usually use 12 - 18 16' panels, the bigger the pen the better.

If all the corn thrown stays inside the pen it will help keep cows & pigs from constantly testing the pen.

If your going to spend the time to do it I’d suggest doing it right so you don’t second guess yourself later on. I know it’s more expensive but consider it an investment on your sanity from not worrying about it again and just like a stand or feeder you have it from now on to move as needed. Personally I use 12-13 16 foot panels but you can get by with less once your deer get accustomed to it. I found they didn’t like getting in smaller pens to much.

Like said above. Twelve 16' panels is a good size pen when formed in a circle. 60' across to be almost exact

5 foot is added to that diameter for every 16' panel that's added

Me too.

I guess bigger is better.

We have 2 made with 7-8 pannels all corn stays inside and the deer do not seem to mind.

I make mine a circle using 10 panels and 20 t-posts. That is about 50' across. It keeps all corn inside the pen. Cost was
about $300. Over lap each panel one square and use a lot of ties. Remember, t-posts go on the inside of the pen.
Circles are much better than square pens. I have watched many times hogs going around and around the pen looking
for an opening. On square pens there will be an opening where the two corners meet.

I've seen cows jump the hog panels...you might try it but understand you might have to go to the cattle panels if you have jumpers on your place.

Good luck.

we use 10 - 16' panels in the circle. I've only hunted one place where cows would jump in so hopefully it won't be a problem for you.

lay they panels out on the ground and wire them together, overlapp 1 square. then stand them up and make a circle & drive your post in, if you have help.

I do have a hog jumping my hog panel fence. Unfortunately only when I'm not there. some people put a strand of barbed wire around the top if you have aggressive cows.

Is 50 inches too tall for the deer to jump in on these panels?

I'd go square so after they bust in (and they will) you can run barb wire easier than in a circle.

Never made a pen less than 11 panels round. Most of my pens are three 16 footers square with solid corner posts. There has always been idjit friends willing to come help me and do most of the work.

Do they still help after you call them idjits? asking for an idjit....

6 16' panels and 12 t-post

The point being if you have friends, they are likely willing to participate. Don't tell them what all they will be doing, just to bring gloves. Prudhomme, Donger, Yorkie, Klappenbach, Powder Keg, the detective and others have all been helpful. Powder Keg is a true post pounding stud - just the type of friend you wanna bring along.

Round - this is 11 panels plus a 10 foot gate


Square - three panels per side

A pen I threw up a few weeks ago. Ranger parked in the back gives an idea of the actual size. 12 hog panels

yes cut them down

we use 20 foot panels in a circle - use 8 of them and plenty of room for deer