RE: i'm gunna learn EVERYTHING i need right HERE!
If you can find a place along the river bank where there is a lot of sign you may be onto something. Look for a lot of tracks localized in one area, which should be easy on the river bank because of the mud, and then follow that back toward the acorns looking for a good trail. When you find that scout the river bank from far away to find out when they show up. Then you should be in good shape.