Mule deer are found in north Texas, I've never seen any around central Texas. They look massive when compared to whitetails further south-- the distance is almost 800 miles, an 8 hour drive, from central Texas to north Texas. We do this drive about twice a year to visit the in-laws. This state is so damn big!
Whiteflour, I built a 2.5' rock wall around the garden area and then elevated it by filling it in with a couple truckloads of soil. My property is sitting on solid bed rock so I can only go about a foot down into the soil before breaking out a sledge and wedge. So I guess the fence was closer to 8', but you're still right, most people use a larger fence. Even with that size fence around my garden there were a couple occasions when I'd find a doe in there-- thankfully only a few times. They freak out, destroy more plants trying to get out than what they were originally eating! It is pretty amazing to see them get that high into the air. They are a beautiful, elegant pain in the ass. They're also the reason I now have a greenhouse-- can't get in there without thumbs!
Chalkie, someone recommended Milorganite to me the other day and I'm going to give it a try. Does it have any negative side effects on other wildlife? I'd like to keep the deer away but not at the expense of any other critters.Thanks guys, good stuff. Cheers!