Hi Polly;

This is a pretty shaded landscape.  Add deer and a compacted soil, and it gets a little tricky finding plants that can thrive. When you have almost complete shade, you have to focus on spring bloomers overall.  Spring bushes such as serviceberry, chokeberry, dogwoods and rhododendrons are good choices that the deer tend to avoid.  Spring deer resistant bulbs that bloom before the trees completely leaf out are good too (see link below).  Hellebore perennials can be a bit deer resistant, and sometimes coral bells and ligularia are a bit deer resistant (mixed results).  All three of those can grow in some shade.  Partial-shade ornamental grasses are another option-but there are limited varieties that thrive in shade. Deer avoid grass-like plants, and plants with leathery leaves (e.g. hellebore). Additions of many of these bushes and plants will generally improve use by wildlife.

https://web.extension.illinois.edu/beyond/directory_grasses.cfm

But, yes, stay clear of hostas.

Don't underestimate the need to improve the soil before planting anything, too.  If your soil is really compact, you will need to loosen it up, and you will likely need to add something to create more air spaces and improve water holding capacity, such as peat. And it is always good practice to get a soil test before planting to see what your nutrient needs and pH are. 

https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/get-started

The following link provides a list of deer resistant spring flowering bulbs that you can plant next fall:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/smart-gardening-with-deer-deer-resistant-bulbs-to-plant-in-fall

Thank you so much for the good information. It is really appreciated!
Polly Reeder

No problem Polly.  For continued support, feel free to email us back or call the MSU Extension Hotline during the hours it is open (limited hours in winter).  

https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/