When deer pressure became a problem on a resort development where I used to manage the landscape, we began using low electric fences, baited with peanut butter. They seemed to be very attracted to that, bend their nose to it and get zapped by the low voltage electricity. We also had to completely change the landscape plant palette.

But you are correct. When the deer are hungry, there isn't much that works. Population control is best.

if there's nothing yummy in your garden, the deer won't go there anymore. that's what i've learned anyway. shovel prune your roses and your hostas, spray your moderate deer-food plants, maybe even install a scent barrier of boxwoods, marigolds, or bloodmeal, in front of your favorite plants, and the deer will go away. that's as sure-fire as any. ;)