The problem with frightening is that the devices may lose effectiveness in a short period of time. For example, if scarecrows are to be effectively employed, it requires that they are frequently repositioned in the field. Other scare devices such as propane cannons and shell crackers are very effective when they are first put into use, but deer frequently become accustomed to them, and although the deer may leave the area during the discharge, they soon decrease the distance that they travel from the field and return more quickly to the field as usage of such devices continues. Taste and smell repellants vary from highly to poorly effective and often require frequent re-application to maintain their effectiveness. In many cases these treatments can also be quite expensive.
Exclusion typically involves the use of a high tensile electrified fence.
Fence heights may range from 6.5 feet to over 10 feet. Be confident that even at 10 feet, some deer will still be able to jump over the fence, but seldom do they continue to cause damage as was the case prior to fencing. For animals that do develop the habit of jumping these fences and continue to cause crop damage, removal permits may be available through your local Ohio Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Biologist or they may be controlled during the regular hunting seasons. The cost to fence an acre varies, depending on height of the fence and the total number of strands that will be used. Material costs for fencing a 10 acre field with high tensile fence are given in the table on the following page.