My little hardware cloth prison I made to protect my little Oak lasted about two years, then one day there was a little hole in the soil next to, and inside the cage. You guessed it, a chipmunk dug under and ate the tree, at the time about 8" high.
I don't know how they make it on their own.
Maybe the trick is to plant about a hundred in the area you want an Oak, and cross your fingers and hope one makes it.
There is a product called dried blood, it's high in nitrogen and repels critters, but must be reapplied after rainfalls.
Keep us updated on your Oaks!