Another strategy is to plant lots of inexpensive seedling trees, and thin them out later. Deer are unpredictable and we have even had them come into our back yard in the middle of 73 acres of prime habitat, just to rub a tree, sometimes into oblivion. I am a rabid deer hunter, so they take some trees and I take some deer. We have planted over 10,000 seedings on our place, both desiduous and evergreen. Most are still going strong. Pin oak is a good choice if you want an oak that grows fast. Sugar maples also grow pretty fast and have great fall color. Plant a variety of seedings, and you can always decide later what to keep, just stay away from the dam.