Brian--I also collected a few late this summer and fall right up to mid-November and all are looking good. I have only been here 2 yrs., so will know this spring if the fall crop will bud. Locals have good luck fall and spring; it helps to have a little experience to bank on
It is much easier to collect pines than it was in Tucson, as the change in elevation is negligible. Imagine bringing trees that have never experienced triple-digit heat down to the desert and having over 100 days of 100* heat. You really have to be on your toes with watering, sun, wind, etc. The biggest problem here is too much rain in the winter when the trees are dormant.