A fence around a garden will only be effective against them if it reaches close to 10 feet. Scent is a better barrier. Deer have a strong sense of smell and this can be used against them. Take bars of scented soap, leaving the wrapping on, and hang them from tree branches. Tests conducted by Christmas tree growers show that this reduced deer munching by up to 70 percent.
Sachets made of human hair also are effective.
Clean out your hairbrushes, wrap the hair in cheesecloth and hang it from the branches. You could also try adding a flavor that deer dislike. Commercial sprays are effective for a month to six weeks. They taste of egg solids or hot peppers and garlic. If repellants don't work try growing a deer-resistant garden.