How many acorns are falling in March thru September? There is a time when pines aren’t as giving to the needs of deer but once the first thinning happens it opens up way more forage. Big open hardwoods are definitely prettier and I love them but a good balance of both is way better then all of one type. Of my 40 acres I have 15 set in long leaf that are 7 or 8 years old. I promise you I have way more forage for deer then I did before I cut timber. We have seen wildlife numbers grow triple what it was before also. Trust me I hate seeing a 2000 acre property with 200 acres of 40’ wide smz’s and the rest in pine.