Oh, I'm so sorry! How discouraging. I had a minor animal-related set back myself today. Fence guy FINALLY showed up to start clearing the existing fence line for my potager fence installation and work came to a complete halt because of a bird's nest. Now I've got to wait for the baby birds to leave the nest. Love the wildlife, but they can sure be inconvenient at times.

ali-b, try milorganite for the deer. You dont have much to lose. I have made several posts on here about it. There is a recent one here in this forum, but I cant remember offhand which one.It has been a life saver for me.
Tammy

I will have to check our local places and see if they have milorganite. Can't hurt but to try it.

And, speaking of other critters.....I peeked out at my garden this morning and what do I see but a wild turkey pacing back and forth in a corner of the garden. The goofy thing must have flown in and then not be able to find a way to walk out. I tried to walk slowly out to the garden and open the gate for the poor thing, but I wound up just scaring it more. After running very fast all around the back of the garden, it decided to just fly out again. Silly things.

ali-b, I think I bought mine from a local greenhouse.
Tammy