Question
What are your thoughts on preventing deer from eating plants, shrubs, etc.
What do you think of odor and taste inhibitors like Deer Off, Repellex or any others you could suggest? And what are your thoughts on wireless devices which induce a mild electric shock in order to scare them and discourage feeding.  

Answer
Controlling Deer damage

Controlling deer damage to plantings can be a complicated affair depending on your particular preferences.  The gold standard solution is simply to construct a fence or encourage population reduction through the regular hunting season. Unfortunately, those methods arenˇt often used due to excessive regulations, finances, or unwillingness.  
Electrical fencing (and even the Woodstream shock poles can have some success) is effective if legal in your area.

Rather than repeat a lot of information you can get elsewhere, I am going to refer you to a link which contains an adobe acrobat file that will give a thorough listing of your options.

http://wildlifedamage.unl.edu/handbook/handbook/allPDF/mam_d25.pdf    The authors of this document are national experts and the information you will be reading is backed up by hard research. I know one of the authors personally, as he is my boss. His name is Dr. Scott Hygnstrom of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  You can find other materials that may be a little easier to read at http://wildlifedamage.unl.edu/showPage.shtml?menuID=950628779  scroll down till you read the heading for deer.
Be sure to check with local laws before implementing the techniques.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance as I am also the webmaster of the site I am sending you to. 兒

Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back.