Hunters: Avoid placing deer stands in ash trees, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says

With deer season underway, and the nine-day gun deer season fast approaching in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to avoid placing deer stands in or near ash trees.

Door County, plus counties in the southern half of Wisconsin and along the Mississippi River, are heavily impacted by ash trees that are dead or dying from emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation and may unexpectedly snap or drop large branches.

According to the Wisconsin DNR, tree stand accidents are the leading cause of serious injury for deer hunters, making it essential to place and maintain tree stands carefully.

“Infested or dead ash trees are not as structurally sound as healthy trees, so they are not safe places to put deer stands,” said DNR Forest Health Specialist Bill McNee. “At this time of year, it can be hard to tell if a tree is infected, so hunters should place deer stands in other types of trees instead.”

Hunters should also be mindful around ash trees when on the ground, especially in windy conditions, as infested trees are susceptible to breakage.

Visit the Wisconsin DNR website for more information.