I’d love to have a nice garden. But now I’m down by the border, it seems if I plant it in the ground the gophers get it, and if it’s above ground the blasted squirrels get it. (except tomatoes). But the hornworms and 4” long grasshoppers get the tomatoes. I thought squash was pestproof, but the blasted squirrels developed a taste for them, too. And the jackrabbits seem partial to lavender and roses. Such is life on the edge of wilderness.
It sounds like you need a good 1000 fps or better .22 air rifle. Protein there for the taking!
And hornworms and grasshoppers are great fishing bait.
Which border/state?
I gave up on gardening some years ago. Between shade, deer and squirrels, it was pretty unproductive. I’ve had deer on the patio and next to the front picture window. They are fearless and plentiful.