08/26/2025
Hunting Season is just around the corner!
Deer hunters know it's about time to start scouting properties to determine where they'll place their deer stands this season. That makes this an ideal time to remind hunters to avoid placing deer stands in or near ash trees, as doing so could create a clear safety hazard.
Most ash trees in the southern two-thirds of Wisconsin are dead or dying due to the emerald ash borer, and infestations in the northern part of the state are rapidly expanding. Emerald ash borer is confirmed in all 72 Wisconsin counties.
Dead and dying ash trees are structurally weaker than healthy trees, so they are not safe places to put deer stands. They may unexpectedly snap at the trunk or drop large branches. Often, it can be hard to tell if an ash tree has been infested by emerald ash borer. To keep things safe, hunters should always place deer stands in other types of trees instead.
Tree stand accidents are the leading cause of serious injury to deer hunters. One in four bowhunters has experienced a fall or near-fall from an elevated stand. It is important to place and maintain tree stands carefully, regardless of the type of tree selected.
Find more information about emerald ash borer, including ways to identify ash and signs and symptoms of infestation, on our website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/foresthealth/emeraldashborer
