got out to scout and move stands today. acorns were plentiful but not heavy and beech nuts very HEAVY in certain areas lacking in others. not many apple trees where I hunt but what there is was very light. lots of bear sign and surprised to see so much deer sign. put out 1 trail cam today and will put out 2 more next weekend. pretty hot today so did not get any ground blinds in or put up 2 more stands I plan on using. overall very happy with what I saw and expect a rather heavy mast come fall. the beech mast dictates where I hunt on the mountain.
will get some pictures next weekend.
Good deal.Hope to get back out next weekend as well. I'm not expecting Swamp Chestnut Oaks to bear as we had a good crop last year. The Water Oaks are looking good.
Apples are VERY sparse around here this year. Berries look good; will have to go for a walk with my bow up to the beech stand.
Ken,
I was up north of Rockwood near Benson this week end and the locals said there was a ton of beechnuts. Also I saw a pretty decent apple crop. Small acorns and not a lot of them. Same thing over here near home in Parish.
I saw a small sow and two little cups right near camp. There are at least 5 different bears near camp. Many black berries, too.
Seeing very similar mast sign over this way too.
Ken, like you I'll be hunting the beech ridges when bear season opens 9/1.
Good luck all!
The acorns are small and dropping a bit early. I guess I attribute it to a really hot and dry second half of summer.
Good luck hunting the beech trees.