Evaluation of propane exploders as white-tailed deer derrents
1996
Belant, J.L. | Seamans, T.W. | Dwyer, C.P.
In response to increased white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) depredation of agricultural crops and encroachment on airports, we evaluated the effectiveness of systematic and motion-activated propane exploders as deer frightening devices. We conducted three experiments in a 2200 ha fenced facility in northern Ohio with high (91/km2) deer densities during 1994-1995. Systematic exploders were calibrated to detonate once at 8 to 10 min intervals, whereas motion-activated exploders detonated 8 times/deer intrusion. Systematic propane exploders were generally ineffective, deterring deer from corn for less than or equal to 2 days only, whereas motion-activated exploders repelled deer for 0-6 weeks. Repellency of motion-activated exploders varied seasonally, possibly in response to variations in deer density, availability of alternate food, or reproductive and social behavior. We recommend motion-activated exploders over systematic exploders as deer frightening devices for crop damage mitigation and on airports; however, systematic exploders may have utility for short-term (a few days) use.
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