DNR: Avoid ash trees for deer stands
EAB-infested trees may break if used for hunting perches
MADISON, Wis. -- As deer hunting season opened in Wisconsin the DNR warned hunters to not rely on ash trees as a good place to position deer stands. Because ash trees may be weakened or dying due to the emerald ash borer infestation, “and may unexpectedly snap or drop large branches”, according to the DNR warning.
Tree stand accidents are the leading cause of injury during deer hunting season, according to the DNR.
“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.”
For help identifying ash trees, the DNR suggested hunters consult this website: https://eab.russell.wisc.edu/what-is-an-ash-tree/. EAB is more prevalent North of Highway 10 and in Door County. It can be found in a few scattered counties in northern Wisconsin. EAB is found throughout the lower peninsula of Michigan. It is far more scattered in the Upper Peninsula.
