Ask The Biologist

Wretched Excess

Wretched Excess

By Bob Humphrey

Why a bumper acorn crop doesn’t make for the best hunting conditions.

QUESTION: The place where I hunt has a lot of oak trees, and this year’s there’s a ton of acorns but I’m not seeing as many deer. Is the population down, or should I just hunt somewhere else? — William A.

ANSWER: A bumper acorn crop can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand it means a ton of healthy and attractive food for your deer. On the other, it means deer don’t have to travel as far or as much to find food. A widespread abundance like a bumper nut crop actually makes deer less susceptible to hunting mortality.

You might try easing in a little closer to bedding cover in hopes of catching deer as they move to or from feeding areas. Or just stick it out where you are and be patient.

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