ODNR News Releases - White and Red Oak Acorn Production Increases Across Ohio


White and Red Oak Acorn Production Increases Across Ohio Oct 29 Written by: news editor 10/29/2010 12:00 AM According to the ODNR, Division of Wildlife, white oak acorn production increased by 32 percent over 2009 figures and red oak acorn production increased by 33 percent. White and Red Oak Acorn Production Increases Across Ohio *COLUMBUS, OH* – Ohio's fall crop of acorns is a vital food source for more than 90 forest wildlife species. White oak acorn production increased by 32 percent over 2009 figures, while red oak acorn production increased by 33 percent, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. "This fall’s survey represents the highest percentage of fruit-bearing white and red oaks recorded over the past six years," said Suzie Prange, forest wildlife biologist. “This is good news for Ohio’s hunters.” Mast crop abundance can affect hunting plans. Hunters can expect to find deer, wild turkeys and squirrels concentrated near areas with heavy crops of white and chestnut oak acorns this fall. In areas with poor acorn production, these animals are more likely to feed around agricultural areas and forest edges. Acorn production is cyclical, with some trees producing acorns nearly every year, while others rarely ever produce. Division of Wildlife employees scanned the canopies of selected oak trees on 38 wildlife areas in the state to determine the percentage of trees that produced acorns and the relative size of the acorn crop. Results varied regionally, but an average of 59 percent of white oak trees and 74 percent of red oak trees bore fruit this year. Wildlife prefer white oak acorns, because red oak acorns contain a high amount of tannin and are bitter in taste. The Division of Wildlife is currently participating in a multi-state research project to estimate regional acorn production throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. Wildlife biologists hope to use the acorn production information gathered in the study to forecast wildlife harvest and reproductive success rates on a local and regional basis. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com. -30- *For more information, contact:* Suzie Prange, ODNR Division of Wildlife 740. 589. 9924 Lindsay Linkhart, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Central Ohio 614. 644. 3925 Tom Lavergne, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Northwest Ohio 419. 424. 5000 Jamey Graham, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Northeast Ohio 330. 644. 2293 Susie Vance, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Southeast Ohio 740. 589. 9930 Kathy Garza-Behr, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Southwest Ohio 937. 372. 9261 Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations 614. 265. 6860 Trackback Print Location: Blogs ODNR NEWS Wildlife Tags: