Yeah, deer is unlikely, although they can jump over an 8ft fence, they won’t jump into an area so small they can’t get out of. ( Need a runway to get momentum). If the plant material was left over, I’d bet it was a rodent. Definitely use herbal magic and make a circle of protection around your plants. Chili flakes are cheap, and effective, although they need to be reapplied every week or so. Sucks that happened. At least they left you some leaves for recovery. Mine were basal cuts. 
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