This was my explanation for last years early drop - there were zero acorns. This year had some acorns but fields have remained green longer than usual. We didn’t have a bumper acorn year, but there have been some.
You must be nearby MA or RI. You describe my same CT hunting areas this and last year to a T.
Was pretty surprised to pick up this pair on the 10th of Jan last year, within 75yds of each other. That was early.
Even though there were acorns this year, i suspect that next year may be even worse than last. Deer numbers/sightings are greatly reduced and I've traveled to many different areas of the state with similar findings.
Lot of mature mast producing trees dying off in my areas. Many with diseased tops showing they're likely to be dead next season. Be it having been brought on by gypsy moth caterpillars in recent years past or I don't know what, its not been a good transformation. Lot of beech trees also diseased/dying with black mold. This making for a much more open canopy and these same areas now have really brushed up and getting to the point of impenetrable soon, as if they'd been clear-cut . It's not been an easy past couple seasons.