Page 5: Outdoors

Acorns bring big benefits to Ohio’s wildlife

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife annually surveys oak trees for acorn abundance at 38 wildlife areas. This year’s survey results showed an average of 40% of white oaks and 49% of red oaks bore fruit, meaning white oak production is slightly above average, and red oak production is slightly below average.

“Many of Ohio’s native wildlife species depend on oak trees and the acorns they can produce by the thousands,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “More than 90 forest wildlife species depend on acorns for survival. A small sample of these species includes deer, squirrels, wild turkeys, woodpeckers, blue jays, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, mice, ruffed grouse, and wood ducks.”

Division of Wildlife employees scan the canopies of selected oak tree wildlife areas to determine the percentage that produced acorns and the relative size of the acorn crop. This is the 17th year the Division of Wildlife has completed the acorn production survey. The proportion of white oaks bearing acorns increased 13% from 2020, while the red oak proportion decreased 20%. The long-term average for white oak acorn production is 37% and 55% for red oak acorn production. All results, including tables and historical numbers, can be found at wildohio.gov.

In addition to determining the presence or absence of acorns, observers estimate the percentage of each tree’s crown covered with acorns. The average crown coverage of acorns for white oaks was 10%, up significantly from last year’s 6% coverage and near the long-term average of 9.5%. The average crown cover for acorns for red oaks was 18%, a decrease from last year but near the long-term average of 20%.

Acorns come in two basic types: red and white. They are divided into these groups based on the type of oak tree. Red oak acorns take two years to develop, and the acorns are bitter, containing a large amount of the chemical tannin. White oak acorns take only one year to develop and have a sweeter taste.

As a critical food source for many forest wildlife species, acorn abundance has been linked to body condition, winter survival, and reproductive success. A year with low acorn abundance causes deer and other wildlife to move around more and search for food. Wild animals are more likely to feed near agricultural areas and forest edges in areas with poor acorn production.

Oak trees have value beyond food and shelter for wildlife. Collect mature acorns in the fall and place them in a bucket of water. Keep the ones that sink and discard any that float, as those won’t germinate. Store the remaining acorns in the refrigerator or outside for at least eight weeks in the winter months. Plant the acorns under a shallow covering of soil in the early spring, water regularly, and enjoy seeing your new oak trees start to grow.

Ohio’s acorn production and oak tree crown coverage

The top figure represents the acorn percentages on a tree-by-tree basis; trees were tallied on whether they housed acorns or not. The second figure measured only trees that produced acorns and represent the estimated acorn coverage in a tree’s crown. Simply put, the tree’s crown is just the upper section of the tree that produces the branches and foliage. Measurements and statistics were done by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.

Ohio heads into peak time for deer-related crashes

COLUMBUS—AAA, the Ohio Department of Insurance, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Ohio Department of Natural Resources want to remind motorists of the increase in deer-related traffic crashes this time of year.

Since 2016, Ohio State Highway Patrol statistics show 100,672 deer-related crashes on Ohio’s roadways. While 95% of deer-related crashes only resulted in property damage, 27 crashes resulted in fatal injuries to motorists, with 28 killed. Additionally, nearly half (47%) of these crashes occurred in October, November, and December.

“As we enter the peak season for car-deer collisions in Ohio, I encourage drivers to use extra caution and slow down, especially at dawn or dusk when deer are more active,” said Governor DeWine. “A crash with a deer can be just as destructive as a crash with another vehicle, so it’s important that drivers remember to stay alert and watch out for animals crossing the road.”

Some of the top counties for deer-related crashes include Stark, Richland, Lorain, Trumbull, and Hancock, with I-71, I-80, and U.S. 30 being the leading roadways in the state.

“Always avoid distractions and keep your full focus on the roadway,” said Colonel Richard Fambro of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “If you see a deer, slow down, but do not swerve. If you strike a deer, move to a safe place if you are able, turn on your hazard lights, and report the crash.”

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), deer become visibly active from late October through November. This is due in large part to the fall breeding season. While males pursue prospective mates throughout the season, they often encounter females that are not yet willing to breed, resulting in pursuits where deer will dart into roadways with little caution. This unpredictable movement leads to an increase in deer-related vehicle crashes. Drivers are encouraged to be extra cautious in areas where fencerows, riparian corridors, or other blocks of forested habitat intersect a roadway.

“As motorists have likely noticed, deer are very visible and active in the fall,” ODNR wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker said. “If you see one deer, be on the lookout for others nearby. Deer rarely run alone.”

Ohio’s beaver and river otter controlled trapping lotteries now open

COLUMBUS—According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, special permits are now available for those interested in controlled trapping opportunities for beaver and river otters on public lands during the 2021-22 season. All permits are selected through a random lottery drawing. The application period for these opportunities is open until Sunday, Oct. 17.

Apply for the permit using Ohio’s Wildlife Licensing System at wildohio.gov. See a complete list of beaver and river otter opportunities on the Controlled Hunting Access Lotteries page at wildohio.gov. There is a nonrefundable fee of $3 per entry.

All applicants are required to possess a valid Ohio hunting license and fur taker permit. Beaver and river otter trapping lotteries are grouped by region; trappers may apply in only one region.

Trappers will be randomly drawn from submitted applications. Successful applicants will be notified by email. The application status is also available on the customer’s account through Ohio’s Wildlife Licensing System.

Ring-necked pheasants to be released in October and November

COLUMBUS—Ring-necked pheasant releases at wildlife areas and other public hunting locations are scheduled to begin during Ohio’s youth hunting season on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23-24, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Pheasant releases will continue into late October and November. In southeast Ohio, the Appalachian Hills, Pleasant Valley, (no youth releases), Salt Fork (no youth releases), and Tri-Valley Wildlife Areas will have pheasant releases.

Photo by the Division of Wildlife Rooster pheasants are released at 25 sites across Ohio during October and November to provide additional hunting opportunities to pursue the popular game bird.