how to repair a hole in the rear gate of my 2016 forester

A photo would help.

it looks like a plastic panel. i backed into something that poked a hole and now I have about a half inch hole that has two to three inch spider legs around it, is there a way to repair or can it be repaired? do not have a picture at this time.

This is on the outside or inside? A body shop would be the place to go for a hole in the outside.

Outside just below about 8 inches from the right tail light

I have Forester and I cannot think of any plastic exterior panels in the tailgate.

It could be fiberglass but it is not metal. The hole is just below the back window windshield wiper to the right or just above the latch to open the trunk (if you will) to the right just before the tail light.

Whatever it is you will need to replace it.