Pyromans Log. -hempy-soil-bagseeds

Yeah, definitely not deer droppings. Hard to tell what it could be from the pic though. Could be coyote, fox etc. There are many deer deterrent methods which are most important during early stages, as they seem to prefer young, tender plants.
I use cut squares of chicken wire (spray painted green) and cover the plant with it. Some times the plant grows up through, but most of the plant still remains protected, whereas with no cover, they will chomp that baby off right at the base. You can also try to deter them with smell, take bar of soap and rub it on a tree or something close by. I always try to urinate near the plant too. I've heard of people using human hair sprinkled around the area, but I'm guessing your not a barber. Good luck!