For those interested, the Woodsman Perspective podcast had Dudley Phelps from Nativ Nurseries on today discussing the historical abundance of acorns this year and the impact it's having on deer sightings. One of the hosts also owns a deer processing business, so he has great insights into it as well. Interesting listening.
I listened to it……Here’s the thing about “acorns”……..Its getting thrown out there as a blanket statement explaining everything that’s occurring……That’s not the case though……It’s A factor but there’s a lot more going on from one area to another……
Consider for instance that Houston Co is coming off a year last season where doe harvest was nearly 20% above average and as it currently sits they are running 9% ahead of that right now……..Acorns don’t seem to be slowing them down…….Meanwhile just on the other side of the state…..Washington and Choctaw are both coming off of 5 year lows in doe harvest last year running -15% below average and are currently this season running another -10% behind those numbers…….Is that acorns or is that just hunters choosing to shoot less does??......I doubt there's a shortage of deer in those areas
Also look at counties like Marshall, Blount, Etowah, Lawrence and St. Clair…….All of those counties are coming off of a season last year where doe harvest was at five year highs 40-50% over the average……..When those folks arent seeing deer this season, it’s more than just acorns……Heck, most counties in North Alabama had 5 year peak doe harvests last year
This acorn idea is being used as a catch all……Its true but its not everything that’s going on……Its not that simple
