Plant Identification: A Skillset for Hunters?

Just as wildlife need a variety of plants for foraging, hunters need a variety of skills for hunting. An often-overlooked hunting skill is the ability to correctly identify common Illinois plant species and use this information in the hunt-planning process.

While many species of wildlife have their preferred food sources, wildlife commonly alter their diet. Changes in their diet can occur seasonally, in response to weather events and food availability, along with other factors. With a basic understanding of plant identification and animal feeding behavior, hunters are better able to predict wildlife movements across the landscape.

While many hunters are aware of a deer’s propensity to gravitate towards white oak acorns during the fall and winter, a year with poor white oak acorn production may prove challenging for some hunters to locate deer. Oak trees are classified into the genus Quercus and can further be broken into two distinct subgenera: Erythrobalanus (red oak group) and Leucobalanus (white oak group). While this classification may seem academic, there are distinct morphological differences between the groups that impact acorn production and ultimately dictate which acorn wildlife prefer.

White oak acorns are the preferred acorn by deer in terms of palatability, however, in instances when white oak acorn production is low, red oak acorns can fill the void. Red oak acorns have a higher tannic acid content than white oaks, producing a bitter taste, often resulting in them remaining viable and edible after the white oak acorns have all been consumed.

Another important distinction is that white oak acorns mature in 6 months compared to an 18-month acorn maturation in red oaks. It is important to note that while red oaks take 18 months to mature an acorn, they are still producing acorns every year. The longer maturation period ultimately means they are less susceptible to weather events that may impact acorn production.

Although there are roughly 20 oak species commonly found in Illinois, hunters do not need the ability to identify every species A basic skillset of being able to identify a red vs. a white oak is important. Red oaks are characterized by having leaves that come to a point. These pointed leaves have bristles at the tips of the lobes and the leaf apex (see photo). White oak trees have leaves that do not have bristles at the tips of the lobes or leaf apex and are more rounded than pointed. Using the presence or lack of bristle-tipped lobes is the simplest way to identify the two groups, however, you may find yourself in an instance where the leaves are not easily identifiable, particularly after leaves fall.

Another identification strategy is to utilize the acorns, particularly the cap of the acorn. The white oak group is characterized by acorns with thick keeled (ridged) cap scales. The inside of the acorn cap is fairly smooth and lacks pubescence (tiny hair-like structures). The acorns of red oaks possess acorn caps that have thin and flat scales and the inner surface of the cap has velvety hairs. While the ability to differentiate between red and white oaks is important, acorns make up only a subset of a deer’s diverse diet.

To fully develop your plant identification skills, the Illinois Learn to Hunt program is hosting a series of free webinars teaching plant identification techniques and detailing various plant species that are commonly found in Illinois and consumed or utilized by game species. The first installment in this series will cover Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines and is scheduled for August 23 at 7 p.m. For more information and to register for the webinar, visit Illinois Learn to Hunt.