California deer (blacktail in coastal and Sierra zones, mule deer elsewhere) feed heavily on valley oak, blue oak, and live oak acorns where they occur. Mast is highly variable year to year and elevation to elevation, and statewide survey data is limited.
Categorical ratings (failure → excellent) per year. Overall is solid; white oak and red oak series are dashed.
| Year | Overall | White Oak | Red Oak |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | fair | fair | fair |
| 2023 | fair | fair | fair |
| 2024 | good | good | good |
| 2025 | unknown | unknown | unknown |
Most recent first. Click through to a year-specific page for a permanent reference link.
Statewide survey data not yet published for the current season.
Crop quality not yet documented for this year. Check the linked agency source for the most current published survey, and scout productive oaks directly when in the field.
Wetter winter improved mast production in most coast and Sierra regions.
Mast is plentiful enough to pull deer off plots and ag fields. Find the productive oaks and set up tight; expect deer to be less predictable on traditional stand sites built for travel routes.
Variable — some recovery in northern coast ranges, ongoing dryness in the south.
Mixed conditions — some areas with productive oaks, others without. Scout for the pockets that produced and hunt the travel routes between bedding and mast. Plots and ag fields still hold deer where mast failed.
Drought conditions reduced acorn production in much of the state.
Mixed conditions — some areas with productive oaks, others without. Scout for the pockets that produced and hunt the travel routes between bedding and mast. Plots and ag fields still hold deer where mast failed.
Without a current mast read, lean on travel-corridor and food-plot setups while you scout for productive oaks in the field.
California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)Always cross-reference with the most current published agency report. Mast surveys update annually in late summer to early fall.
Statewide mast reports tell you what to expect in general. Bield: Hunt logs every productive oak you find on your specific land — and turns multi-season data into stand sites that compound year after year.
