We use hog panels and haven't had any trouble with the cows getting in. How many panels are you thinking about using? I think our feed pens are a little on the small side. I can't recall for sure, but I think they are 7 or 8 panels. We will probably add a panel or two to each one this summer.

 

This is good advice. Hog panels will work great but don't skimp on how many you use. We recently had some pens that were 8 panels and the deer were very skittish around them. We also had 1 that was I believe 11 panels on the same place. The deer actually bedded in that pen sometimes

 

I would hold the hog panel about 8inches off the ground or even 12 inches, and that would let the fawns get under. Would make it plenty high for cows and just right for adult deer...

 

That will also let in the pigs and javelina. They're both worse than cows when it comes to corn consumption...

 

Use hog panel, it's a little more expensive but will keep small pigs and javelina out. I built mine with cattle panel because it was what I had on hand at the time and have discovered that the javelina, the main thing I was fencing out, can go right through the 6" x 6" squares so I'm going to have to redo it this year. I'm probably going to use the 4"x4" utility panels to redo it and I'm definitely going to build it bigger. I only used 7 panels, I think I should have gone at least 10.

 

If you use cattle panel you can cut out sections so the deer can get in easier. I would not go less than 12 panels.

I used about 300' of field fence with barb wire on bottom and top and that was still cheaper than cattle panel.

 

More panels

Whatever panel you decide to use make your pen as large as possible as deer feel more secure with a lot of room inside. Have had up to 6 does and 2 -3 bucks in mine.

 

Thanks for the input