hard mast

Look Inside Acorns to Find Deer Hunting Success

Oct 11, 2023 Cole Gander

Focusing on the best food source is an important part of every deer-hunting strategy. This time of the year, acorns are often key for most whitetail hunters. Follow along as I run through the science…

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Know Your Deer Trees: Ozark Chinquapin

Sep 29, 2021 Cheyne Matzenbacher

Once thought to be extirpated from its range, the Ozark chinquapin (Castanea ozarkensis) is a drought tolerant hardwood tree that reaches up to 65 feet tall and 2-3 feet in diameter.  Ozark chinquapins bloom in…

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For More Acorns, Don’t Fertilize Oak Trees. Maybe Cut Some Down.

Feb 19, 2020 Dr. Craig Harper and Jarred Brooke

Acorns. If you are a deer hunter in a forested area of the eastern United States, it is likely you consider them a crucial factor in deer management. It is likely they influence your hunting…

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Survey Acorns Now to Improve Production

Aug 22, 2017 Matt Ross

Acorn Scouting TipsNow is a great time to scout the acorn crop. What you find can help identify stand sites for this fall and also predict winter food supplies. Here are a few helpful tips…

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7 Steps to Stronger Acorn Production

Jul 28, 2014 Matt Ross

The key to improving acorn production in oaks begins with identifying the best acorn-producing trees where you hunt, and I shared an acorn survey technique for doing so in the first part of this two-part…

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Know Your Deer Plants: American Beech

Jun 25, 2013 Matt Ross

Most white-tailed deer hunters east of the Mississippi recognize the importance of the fall acorn crop and how it directly impacts their hunting opportunities. The majority of NDA members also understand the effect this cyclic…

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Red Oaks are Important in Deer Nutrition

Mar 27, 2013 Lindsay Thomas Jr.

Start talking about planting trees for wildlife and the first question asked is bound to be: “Which tree species is best for me to plant?” Many people are hoping to hear there is one almighty…

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Know Your Deer Plants: Swamp Chestnut Oak

Jan 14, 2013 Matt Ross

When considering species to plant or encourage on deer hunting land in the Southeast, swamp chestnut oak should be near the top of your list. A member of the white oak family, swamp chestntut oak…

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Know Your Deer Plants: Allegheny Chinkapin

May 24, 2012 Matt Ross

If you’re interested in planting something on your property that can quickly provide mast, attract deer and provide groundcover at the same time, it’s time to consider an alternative to the standard oak tree plantings….

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What Are Hybrid Oaks?

Mar 8, 2012 Lindsay Thomas Jr.

In fall 2005, QDMA received a house-warming gift for our newly constructed National Headquarters in Georgia – four containerized hybrid oak seedlings from Charlie Morse of Morse Nurseries in Michigan. Charlie admitted he wasn’t sure…

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