MDWFP’s First Acorn Survey Finds Good Mast Year Across Mississippi

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks has conducted its first Hard Mast Survey, offering a statewide look at acorn production. The 2026 survey found a good mast year overall, with red oaks producing more acorns than white oaks.

Production varied by region, with some of the strongest acorn crops reported in the Southeast and Southwest. The findings can help hunters understand deer movement and feeding patterns as acorns begin to fall.

MDWFP plans to conduct the survey annually beginning in 2026 to measure the relative abundance of acorns produced by oak trees across the state. The 2026 Acorn Production Report is available online.

Source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.