Wis. board to discuss letting tree stands stay

MADISON, Wis. — The state Natural Resources Board is getting ready to wade into the sticky issue of letting hunters leave tree stands on public land overnight.

Current Department of Natural Resources rules allow tree stands and blinds on public land but hunters must remove them at the end of each day.

Agency officials say in a memo to the board that they often receive requests to leave stands overnight. The memo warns that allowing the practice could create the impression that hunters have staked out areas, leading to conflicts. On the other hand, the memo says, allowing stands overnight would be convenient for hunters, especially older ones.

The board is set to discuss the matter at a meeting in Madison on Wednesday. It’s unclear whether members will take any action.