Planting Rhizomes

I went to my LHBS (Listermann's) to buy another fermenting bucket and some other stuff. When I was checking out, I asked if they knew where I could get Rhizomes. I was surprised when he said we got them.
So I bought one Hallertau Rhizome, just to see if I have any luck with them.
I have two questions.

Is it too early to plant them right in the ground for zone 6?

Do Deer or other animals eat hops?

Here in WA the deer eat everything... Small pine trees, all flowers, anything "Tender" even Blackberry shoots.
For my hop row I've got several ideas on various stages of hop fence to protect the first 10' of hop growth as the deer will literally stand on their rear legs to eat the bits they want.