Decreased acorn production?

[Whereareyoubuck]

I just heard on TV that this year oak trees aren't producing as many acorns. Would that help explain why I've been seeing a SIGNIFICANT decrease in deer activity? This time in previous years I had been seeing multiple big bucks in the stand as well as on the cameras, but this year I've barely seen anything so far. So frustrating. 

[The_Real_TCIII]

Banner year for acorns around me, western NY

[grampy]

Lots and lots of acorns in the hills of Albany county this year. But production from individual trees can vary greatly from property to property. 

There could also be a different food source, the deer are now hitting in your area? That may have changed the deer patterns?

If you have the doe's, the bucks will soon be there.

Edited October 21, 2020 by grampy

[Whereareyoubuck]

41 minutes ago, grampy said:

Lots and lots of acorns in the hills of Albany county this year. But production from individual trees can vary greatly from property to property. 

There could also be a different food source, the deer are now hitting in your area? That may have changed the deer patterns?

If you have the doe's, the bucks will soon be there.

There have definitely been a lot of changes...someone bought the 30 acres to my east and cleared out about half of the deer bedding area, and someone else bought 50 acres to my south and set up a few large tents where their kids run around, and then my neighbor cleared out 9 acres to my north where the doe used to come through every single evening. 

I had a beautiful 6 pointer on opening day within 15 yards of me...passed on him and haven't seen him since, and barely seen any doe since then either. 

Edited October 21, 2020 by Whereareyoubuck

[crappyice]

Acorns are nonexistent in SE/3S area according to three properties I hunt and numerous other reports from locals on other properties


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[grampy]

20 minutes ago, Whereareyoubuck said:

There has definitely been a lot of changes...someone bought the 30 acres to my east and cleared out about half of the deer bedding area, and someone else bought 50 acres to my south and set up a few large tents where their kids run around, and then my neighbor cleared out 9 acres to my north where the doe used to come through every single evening. 

I had a beautiful 6 pointer on opening day within 15 yards of me...passed on him and haven't seen him since, and barely seen any doe since then either. 

With all the new changes, it's easy to see that the deer have shifted their movement patterns on your property. Perhaps they are still using it, but in different places than you are used to seeing them? You may need to scout a bit to find the new travel areas, and move stands accordingly. But I'd be very surprised if they have abandoned your property totally. They have only adjusted to the changes. They are there somewhere. Once YOU adjust, you'll be fine! 

Good luck!!

[Whereareyoubuck]

6 minutes ago, grampy said:

With all the new changes, it's easy to see that the deer have shifted their movement patterns on your property. Perhaps they are still using it, but in different places than you are used to seeing them? You may need to scout a bit to find the new travel areas, and move stands accordingly. But I'd be very surprised if they have abandoned your property totally. They have only adjusted to the changes. They are there somewhere. Once YOU adjust, you'll be fine! 

Good luck!!

Thanks! Yeah I'm hoping during peak rut they'll be wandering through more often! 

[BowmanMike]

Acorns everywhere here in 4F. I agree with grampy,the deer are still around but have shifted. You should too until you find them.

[cdbing]

Acorns have been hit and miss on the spots I've hunted so far. Some lots, some less than normal and some varied within a few yards. The last spot I hunted had loads of acorns near the swamp, but 50 yds away, barely any.

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[Whereareyoubuck]

Yeah I moved my main stand about 20 yards away, but I don't think it did anything. I also have a tree I saddle hunt from near the big bedding area, but the deer haven't even been going there either. There is one other spot I'm thinking of going to check out, where I walked into a doe sleeping. 

[TreeGuy]

On my main piece I hunt, there is prob less than 6 oaks, so I never have to worry about mast. The beech and hickory's always seem to drop and the squirrels do a good enough job of beating the deer to most of them. We are lucky enough to have ag every year to keep the deer fat and happy. As far as if the acorns are dropping, I haven't noticed.

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[BizCT]

3 hours ago, crappyice said:

Acorns are nonexistent in SE/3S area according to three properties I hunt and numerous other reports from locals on other properties


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+1. Everyone i speak to in 3N and 3S has said zero acorns and way less deer seen in person & on camera. EHD may be factor too, but definitely the worst acorn year I can ever remember.

also, the deer look normal size fat wise so they are eating something else for sure. leafy greens i guess?

Edited October 21, 2020 by Biz-R-OWorld

[Whereareyoubuck]

3 minutes ago, Biz-R-OWorld said:

+1. Everyone i speak to in 3N and 3S has said zero acorns and way less deer seen in person & on camera. EHD may be factor too, but definitely the worst acorn year I can ever remember.

also, the deer look normal size fat wise so they are eating something else for sure. leafy greens i guess?

Yeah I'm in 3J

[Yorehntr]

I’ve scouted areas of 3N , 3M and 3J. Seems like they’re very spotty, in all the areas I’ve checked, mostly reds. when you find them, the deer are hitting them hard. I don’t see enough on the ground to last them the winter, though

Edited October 22, 2020 by Yorehntr

[Whereareyoubuck]

30 minutes ago, Yorehntr said:

I’ve scouted areas of 3N , 3M and 3J. Seems like they’re very spotty, in all the areas I’ve checked, mostly reds. when you find them, the deer are hitting them hard. I don’t see enough on the ground to last them the winter, though

Hmm ok so I have to look for red oak trees?

Edited October 22, 2020 by Whereareyoubuck

[Yorehntr]

Bottom of little ravines and bowls. or anywhere water would collect, Is where I found the most. In mountains look for drainage areas , but yes seems like mostly red oaks. 

[hunterdan44]

I’m in 4-0 plenty of acorns. Find the food and you’ll find most animals. Deer are eating what’s available to them. Find that and you will see more deer. Good luck


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[Northcountryman]

Yeah , same here , only acorns I’m seeing are from Reds And not much to boot 

[Bolt action]

I hunt 8C and 8A. Red oaks are dropping nuts by the bushel. Since you have that mobility with the saddle, I'd suggest taking a walk around and look for / setup near any fresh sign you find. 

[Don_C]

A lot of acorns, but definitely less than last year in our area of 9K

[mowin]

It's like walking on marbles in 4U and 4T.  Few white oaks in my hunting areas, but 100's of red oaks. Makes it harder to guess which area to hunt.  

[46rkl]

Individual Oak trees go thru cycles of mast production based on many factors, including genetics. That said, it’s been very dry in many parts of the state and that’s a big factor in mast production. Not so much here in 8H where production seems pretty normal. The doe like acorns and the bucks like doe. Hunt the doe to get the buck!