I have some Oak here across the Bay from you I've had for 7 years! If it's been on the ground or stays wet, it'll get "punky". Here on the shore, keep it elevated, "NOT" covered so it gets lots of air movement and keep it in the sun. I've been doing this for 40+ years, never had any punky Oak. Maple is a different story... Plenty of that in your neighborhood! I used to drive through Middletown a lot years back. There used to be a big Farmers market around there if I'm not mistaken... I used to come up Rt#1 and 13 when I came up from the Eastern shore, I had a friend near Sassafras.
Punk wood and diesel makes great fire starters. After you dry out the punk wood. I run it through the band saw for 1x1x4 " pieces. toss them in a pan or bucket add just enough diesel so that the pieces can soak it up but are not dripping wet after a day or two. Toss bunch in a metal coffee can and keep a lid on it. Cheapest thing I have found. Making wax starters for me is a pia and wax costs quite a bit ( I do not do rummage sales for candles like some) no shortage of noodles for same though. Keeping a big bag/box of noodles around is a mess for me.
