With all your animal problems, I would start indoors. Cold moist stratify in the fridge for 1 - 2 months. Start seeds in March in seed starting media - preferably on heat mats and under lights. No animal problems.
Another outdoor option but still subject to some problems from animals. Plant seeds in small pots. Sink the pots in a protected area all the way to the brim. Place wire mesh - even screen wire over them. Water. Cover with leaves. If you did this near the foundation, that would add some protection. The finer the mesh - i.e. screen - the sooner you will have to remove it.
WRT some of the original questions. You will do best when you can mimic nature as much as possible. Regardless of what or how done, temperate zone perennial seed must have cold moist stratification.
