MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to take proper precautions and follow all safety best practices before climbing into a tree stand this fall.
Surveys indicate one-quarter of Wisconsin bowhunters have experienced a fall or near-fall from an elevated stand in the past. Additionally, research has shown that risky tree stand climbing behavior becomes more likely to catch up to hunters the longer they hunt.
To avoid accidents and ensure a safe outing, always be mindful of the basic rules of tree stand safety before and during every hunt:
● Regardless of the type of tree stand used, always wear a full-body harness, also known as a fall-arrest system, that meets current industry standards.
● Connect the harness to the tether line and keep the tether line short. The tether is designed to keep the wearer in the seat and not catch them after falling.
● Always keep three points of contact while climbing into and out of the tree stand. This means always keeping two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand in contact with the stand or ground.
● Always use a haul line to raise and lower unloaded firearms or bow into and out of the stand. Hunters can also use the haul for other things like a heavy backpack.
● Use a lifeline when climbing up and down; this keeps wearers connected from when they leave the ground to when they get back down.
● Before heading out, tell someone where you’ll be hunting and when you expect to return.
● Carry a cell phone to call for help if anyone becomes injured after a fall.
Beyond following these basic rules, hunters should always select a substantial and solid tree that can support their weight and is free from any dead limbs above them. Hunters should also inspect their equipment before each use, ensuring all lines are intact, their harness fits and that the harness is absent of snags and tears. Additionally, hunters should thoroughly inspect their stand for missing components or broken features before climbing.
Hunters can also participate in the Tree Stand Manufacturers Association Safety Course. This free and interactive course takes just 15 minutes to complete yet contains valuable information that could save your life.
To learn more about tree stand safety rules and best practices, visit the DNR’s webpage.
DNR to host skills workshops for new and experienced hunters ahead of the fall season
The Wisconsin DNR will host Learn to Hunt workshops across the state this fall to help Wisconsin hunters become safer, more independent and ethical hunters.
The DNR’s Learn to Hunt programs, hosted in partnership with volunteer groups, are great for new hunters and anyone who wants a refresher course before the fall hunting seasons.
All Learn to Hunt workshops are open to the public and are designed to cater to various skill levels and interests. Offerings range from multi-day comprehensive Hunter Education Classes for those new to the sport to one-day workshops with specific topics like shot-gunning, archery, pheasant, squirrel, deer, grouse and rabbit hunting and hands-on deer butchering.
“Wisconsin has some of the most abundant hunting opportunities in the nation, and with a little guidance, anyone can access great hunting locations and use a variety of hunting strategies to have a safe and enjoyable hunting experience,” said Quinn Erdmann, DNR Hunting and Shooting Sports Program Assistant. “We are here to help anyone unsure of where to get started or what their first step should be.”
Learn to Hunt workshops combine classroom and field instruction before a novice goes hunting with a qualified mentor. Programs are hosted by qualified volunteer mentors from local hunting clubs and other conservation organizations across Wisconsin.
Recycling Excellence Award nomination period now open
The Wisconsin DNR is accepting nominations for the 2023 Recycling Excellence Awards. The nomination period is open until Sept. 15.
The Recycling Excellence Award showcases and celebrates outstanding recycling efforts, innovation and performance for communities, organizations, schools and businesses throughout Wisconsin. Food waste recovery or diversion programs are also eligible.
“It’s hard work and creativity by local governments, businesses, schools and nonprofits that make waste minimization and recycling so successful in Wisconsin,” said Brad Wolbert, DNR Waste and Materials Management Program Director. “The DNR wants to support and spotlight these important efforts.”
Awards are offered in four categories: overall program, projects and initiatives, innovation, and special events. Entities of any size may self-nominate or submit an application on behalf of another program. Applicants are encouraged to submit supporting materials such as outreach samples, data or graphs, and high-resolution photos.
Winners of the award will be featured on the DNR’s website.
The nomination form, information about the categories and profiles on past award winners can be found on the DNR’s Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Awards webpage.
DNR seeking volunteer hunter education instructors
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking volunteers passionate about promoting safe, responsible and ethical hunting practices to serve as certified hunter education instructors. Volunteer opportunities are available in all parts of the state.
Since the program’s creation in 1967, more than 20,000 volunteer instructors have trained and certified more than one million hunters across Wisconsin. These efforts have directly contributed to a significant decrease in hunting-related incidents.
The continued dedication and exceptional quality of volunteer instructors have been the primary reasons for the program’s success.
Becoming a volunteer instructor is a great way to give back to local communities and have a part in shaping the next crop of Wisconsin hunters.
“As a volunteer instructor, I get to give back to a sport that I truly love by training students to be safe for themselves, fellow hunters and their environment,” said Rick Heisler, a volunteer instructor for more than 40 years and the hunter education program’s 2022 Instructor of the Year. “Teaching these courses has become a vital part of my life.”
There are two ways to become a certified volunteer hunter education instructor. Interested volunteers can either serve as an apprentice under a sponsoring instructor for at least two complete courses or attend a certification training session hosted by a DNR Outdoor Skills Trainer.
Once certified, the DNR provides volunteer instructors with all the materials and equipment required to teach a hunter education course. Instructors must only teach one class every three years to remain certified, although many teach more.
For more information about becoming a volunteer instructor or applying, visit the DNR’s website.
