Avoid Ash Trees When Placing Deer Stands

MADISON –  The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to avoid placing deer stands in or near ash trees as they start scouting properties ahead of the coming deer hunting season.

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 has been confirmed in all 72 Wisconsin counties, and unreported infestations are also likely to be present.

It is important to 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.”

Research shows 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.

Basic Rules Of Tree Stand Safety

No matter the type of tree stand, 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.
• Use a lifeline when climbing up and down, being sure to remain connected from the time you leave the ground to the time you put your feet on the ground.

The DNR offers a webpage with additional tree stand safety information, including a brief tree stand safety course.

How To Identify Ash Trees 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. Avoid Spreading Forest Pests And Diseases 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. Bundles of certified firewood have a printed label showing certification. More information about emerald ash borer, signs and symptoms of infestation and where this pest has been found is available on the DNR’s Emerald Ash Borer webpage. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR & Bugwood.org Published on: Aug 10, 2026 at 2:34 pm