Germination of osage orange seed pod

[osage]

How do osage orange seed pods germinate? They are native to okalohma and texas. They are related to the black locust and were used extensivley by early settlers when barb wire was not affordable. The seed pod is the size of a soft ball and has a raised surface similar to oranges. The inside of the seed pod is a milky goo that is fleshy. The seeds are white and arranged in the center. Did the buffalo eat these things? Do cows enjoy them?
I know the white tail around here could not be bothered. I have seen garden slugs tunnel through them.

 

[underwor]

Once the seeds dry, they turn a light brown and will germiate very easily. Squirrels seem to have a fondness for the hedge apples, osage oranges, or whatever you call them.