Hi Jacqui, thanks for your interesting question!  I'm excited you are considering native shrubs.  Some shrub choices are Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum, Meadowsweet (Spirea alba), Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), Shrubby St. John's Work, Hypericum prolificum, Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolis), Wafer Ash (Ptelea trifoliata), Winterberry (Ilex verticillate), Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), Buttonbush (Cephalanhus occidentalis), Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). These are less deer friendly choices.  But deer will eat if they don't have other food sources.

The native shrubs can be pruned to keep a smaller size or left to grow to their full height.  There is a High Bush Cranberry Viburnum (Viburnum opulus), mildly deer resistant but is an example of one that pruning can keep it shaped nicely and has appeal for color and birds and pollinators.

I've included some information about deer repellents too. Planting various herbs may help.  Most repellants which are somewhat effective have egg in them and various herbs. Unfortunately, nothing is completely deer proof.  If they are hungry, they need to eat also.  Good luck with your gardening adventure.  

Madonna

Plant Information - Native Plants Finder (nwf.org)

Native Plants (nwf.org)

Nuisance Species: Deer | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov)

Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance (Rutgers NJAES)

Viburnum opulus (Cranberry Bush Viburnum, European Cranberry, European Cranberrybush Viburnum, Guelder-Rose) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu)

discouraging deer in the garden, with ohio state's marne titchenell - A Way To Garden

Microsoft PowerPoint - MG-Nuisance Wildlife-Marne [Read-Only] (osu.edu)

5 Best Deer Repellents - May 2021 - BestReviews (nydailynews.com)

Protecting plants from deer | UMN Extension

Herbs to the rescue: fend off deer with aromatic plants | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)