Devices should be used throughout the day but especially during early morning and late afternoon feeding periods. Several types of scare devices are better than a single device, and their location should be changed frequently. Gas exploders are the most commonly used scare devices. Effective range varies with locale, but usually one exploder covers about 10 acres. For best results, exploders should be mounted above the height of the crop.
Shotguns using regular ammunition or shellcrackers are effective.
The shellcrackers discharge a projectile that explodes in the air some distance from the gun. Use caution with shellcrackers in dry vegetation because of fire hazard. Shellcrackers are available in 12-gauge only. Frightening devices cause noise that may be objectionable to nearby residents. Check with neighbors before investing in equipment that may be a disturbance to other people.