Wisconsin DNR Warns Deer Hunters To Avoid Ash Trees For Deer Stands

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is cautioning hunters to avoid using ash trees when erecting deer stands this deer season.

The group says most ash trees in the southern half of Wisconsin, Door County and the Mississippi River counties are dead or dying from emerald ash borer infestation.

While not as widespread in other parts of the state, there is reports of the emerald ash borer all over the state and unreported infestations are also likely present.

“Dead and dying ash trees are structurally weaker than healthy trees, so they are not safe places to put deer stands,” said Bill McNee, DNR
Forest Health Specialist. “In many cases, it can be hard to tell if a tree has been infested by the emerald ash borer, so hunters should place deer stands in other types of trees instead.”

According to the Wisconsin DNR, tree stand accidents are the leading cause of serious injury to deer hunters. Research shows one in four bowhunters have experienced a fall or near-fall from an elevated stand.