In advance of the 2025 fall hunting seasons, the DNR has issued reminders on tree stand safety and hunter education classes.
As the 2025 fall Wisconsin hunting seasons near, the Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters of tree stand safety and recommending those who need a hunter education certificate to sign up for a class.
Falls from tree stands are the leading cause of serious injury to deer hunters, according to the DNR. Many bow hunters are scouting and setting stands in advance of the Sept. 13 opener of the Wisconsin archery and crossbow seasons.
Due to the continued spread of emerald ash borers and significant die-off of ash trees in most of the state, the DNR is highlighting what has now become an annual caution for hunters to avoid placing deer stands in or near ash trees.
“Dead and dying ash trees are structurally weaker than healthy trees, so they are not safe places to put deer stands,” Bill McNee, DNR forest health specialist, said in a statement. “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.”
Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in all 72 Wisconsin counties, and unreported infestations are also likely to be present.
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, according to the DNR.
Ash trees can be identified by two key features: opposite branching patterns, with two branches coming off the main stem directly across from one another; and compound leaves with 5-11 leaflets.
In addition to avoiding placing stands in ash trees, hunters should be mindful whenever they are near ash trees, especially in windy conditions, as infested trees are susceptible to branch and stem breakage.
Research has shown one in four bowhunters has experienced a fall or near-fall from an elevated stand, according to the DNR.
The agency offers the following tips for tree stand use:
- 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.
Hunter education requirement
The DNR is also recommending anyone who plans to hunt in Wisconsin and needs a hunter education certificate to enroll in the appropriate course.
Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must complete a hunter education course and have a hunter education certificate to purchase a Wisconsin hunting license.
Several course options are available. People under age 18 must take a course with an in-person, hands-on component.
The traditional course includes a classroom setting with lectures, homework and hands-on lesson plans. This course has class periods from a few times in one week up to, but no longer than, three weeks (maximum of 19 hours total). It's best for students with little to no firearms-handling experience, according to the DNR.
Another option is the online plus field day course. It has students complete online textbook work and then attend a one-day field day with hands-on lesson plans and final exams. This course is best suited for students with some firearms-handling experience, according to the agency.
An online only option is available for people age 18 and older. It has about the same content as the other courses but is entirely online. It is intended for students with firearms-handling experience, but is open to anyone meeting the age requirement.
An archery education certificate is also available though not required to bow hunt in Wisconsin.
To learn more about Wisconsin hunter education courses or to enroll, visit dnr.wi.gov.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: DNR issues tree stand safety, hunter education reminders
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