Falling Acorn Question

[blackranny]

Here in s. central VA we have a mast crop to the extent I have never seen in over 30 yrs.!!! It is unreal the amount of acorns in the areas I hunt. Yesterday, I needed a hard hat while up in the stand. I have never been hit before and it must have been at least 20 that hit me, my bow and stand. The woods were CONSTANTLY noisy from all the falling acorns.

I did not see a single deer. (There is a tremendous amount of sign in this block of hardwoods.

My question is this - will the deer move when the acorns are falling like this? Does the noise or the getting hit by all of them falling keep the deer bedded down?

[Tominator]

I think that's unlikely. My guess would be that they are dispersed because of the heavy mast crop. There's food everywhere so they don't need to group up.

[wtnhunt]

Welcome to the forums.

Don't think falling acorns will keep the deer out, but they don't have to move around much or look too much to find food.

Our wildlife folks here suggest that heavy mast crops equate to lower harvest numbers.

[arrow32]

Its the same way here.

I would say its just due to the fact the deer aren't having to move around as much to find food.

[ChrisSeb53]

I think that's unlikely. My guess would be that they are dispersed because of the heavy mast crop. There's food everywhere so they don't need to group up.

agreed

[Leo]

Deer like them fresh. If they are falling where you are hunting while you are hunting you are in the right spot.

[aldridgem1]

Same way here. Its been so dry they started falling much ealier and pleny of them. I dont think it keeps them from moving but since it seems like you have plenty of acorns maybe you just wasnt in the right spot at the right time. They will come through sooner or later.

[VaJeff]

same all over Va. deer dont have to move much to eat. acorns are #1 food followed by grasses , corn or whatever else. with the temps.from 90 degrees down to 40's i think best bet is to be near water , catch them early or late .

[Buckhunter76]

Same here in Ohio.

[Jeramie]

I think that's unlikely. My guess would be that they are dispersed because of the heavy mast crop.

I agree 100%. In times of bumper crops look for the acorns they crave like whiteoak. They prefer them and will go to them when there are acrons everywhere because they can be a little more picky.

[Overwatch]

last night they were falling like rain it was insane but i dont really think the deer care because i had deer all over my stand for the last 2 hours of daylight

[bobwhite]

Deer don't need to move far when you have a bumper crop of acorns.

[JDAWG]

Now you have to focus on the white oak trees. Find one, especially if it is dropping, and you will be "in the chips".

[huntnfish]

We have a heavy acorn crop this year in my part of NC. I have not seen as many deer this year either.

[bloodtrails]

:chat:

[blackranny]

Well, I have hunted the oaks several times now and have seen nothing but turkeys!!! Plenty of fresh sign - but I think it is happening after dark. But, in a stand overlooking a small wetlands bordering a fescue field - I am seeing at least a dozen deer each time! There is a very nice 4 y.o. 8 point that I'm holding out for...

[Squirrelhunter91]

Agreed. Heavy acorn crop here too, deer sightings down. I just think they're spread out due to the abundance of acorns. Be patient. They'll make it over to your area eventually.

[hunterbobb]

Falling acorns is like ringing the dinner bell.

[Flintlock1776]

I oick they up when they come down and stick them in seal a meal air tight bags. Then spread them out later in the season as I need them for the deer

[hunter1109]

i got a pocket full of wallnuts and acorns and i through them out of the stand monday and about a half hour letter i got that doe i shot well hope you find where they are watering if it has been like ohio no rain here in a long time well letter men