WARNING: Wisconsin Hunters Should Never Hunt From This Kind Tree

The 2025 deer hunting season is fast approaching in Wisconsin, and based on recent numbers, that means around 600,000 deer hunters will once again be out throughout the state.

Now is the time hunters start preparing for the season, which includes scouting hunting properties for essential deer habitat like food sources, water, cover (bedding areas), and travel corridors.

When it comes to scouting hunting properties this year, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently issued an important warning to all hunters because there is one kind of tree they must avoid hunting from. In fact, they shouldn't even put their deer stands anywhere near these trees.

Wisconsin Hunters Warned To Avoid Ash Trees

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued a warning to hunters to avoid placing deer stands in or near ash trees as they start scouting properties ahead of the 2025 deer hunting season.

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The reason is that most ash trees in the southern two-thirds of Wisconsin are already dead or dying due to the emerald ash borer, and infestations in the northern part of the state are rapidly expanding. The DNR notes that the emerald ash borer has now been confirmed in all 72 Wisconsin counties, and there are unreported infestations that are likely present.

Therefore, hunters must place and maintain tree stands carefully, as trees infested with emerald ash borer may unexpectedly snap or drop large branches. Hunters should also be cautious around ash trees when on the ground, especially in windy conditions, as infested trees are susceptible to branch and stem breakage.

“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 emerald ash borer, so hunters should place deer stands in other types of trees instead.”

The leading cause of serious injury to deer hunters in Wisconsin is tree stand accidents. In fact, research indicates that one in four bowhunters has experienced a fall or near-fall from an elevated stand. Hunters can help keep themselves safe by following some basic rules and best practices, regardless of the type of tree selected.

How To Identify Ash Trees

The DNR says that ash trees can be identified by looking for two key features:

• Opposite branching patterns, with two branches coming off the main stem directly across from one another.
• Compound leaves with 5-11 leaflets.

More information on ash trees and how to identify them is available on the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Entomology’s Emerald Ash Borer webpage.

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Basic Rules Of Tree Stand Safety

The DNR stresses that no matter what type of tree stand is used, these basic safety rules should always be observed:

• Always wear a full-body harness (also known as a fall-arrest system). Connect to your tether line and keep that line short. The tether is designed to keep the hunter in their seat, not to catch them after they fall.
• Always have three points of contact while climbing into and out of the tree stand, whether it’s two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.
• Always use a haul line to raise and lower an unloaded firearm or bow into and out of the stand. The haul line can also be used to haul other things, such as a heavy backpack.

Furthermore, use a lifeline when climbing up and down, and be sure to remain connected from the time you leave the ground to the time you put your feet on the ground.

Avoid Spreading Forest Pests And Diseases

Hunters can play an important role in preventing the spread of forest pests and diseases.

The DNR recommends that when traveling for hunting season, obtain firewood close to where it will be burned to reduce the chance of spreading tree-killing insects and diseases such as emerald ash borer, spongy moth, and oak wilt.

Dry firewood with loose bark has the lowest risk of spreading harmful insects or diseases. Purchasing certified firewood is another option, as it is widely available and is seasoned or treated to eliminate pests and diseases. It's important to note that bundles of certified firewood have a printed label showing certification.

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