Ryan ‘Cal’ Callaghan: The New Voice for Wisconsin’s Outdoor Adventures

Prepare for Wisconsin's Deer Season: Safety Tips for Adventurers

Update Wisconsin Deer Season: A Time for Adventure and Safety As the calendar creeps toward that glorious Saturday, November 22, 2025, all eyes turn hopefully toward the woods of Wisconsin. It’s that time of year again—the nine-day gun deer season is upon us! For many, it feels like the start of a special holiday, complete with the thrill of adventure and the unmatched aroma of pine needles and fresh air. With Wisconsin's stunning landscapes serving as the backdrop, hunters are ready to embrace the outdoors and perhaps share a few tall tales over a campfire or two. But before you don your camo gear and lace up your boots, let’s chat about safety—because there’s no punchline to being the hero in a hunting story that ends poorly. You see, in the hustle and bustle of hunting season, safety tends to slip through the cracks faster than a deer at the sound of a twig snap. According to safety experts, tree stand falls are climbing (no pun intended) above gun-related injuries. So, while you’re dreaming of that trophy buck, make sure to respect the tree stands and use them properly. Remember: never climb after a few “courageous” brews unless you want to be the butt of a rather painful joke! Nature's Comedy of Errors: Hunting Mishaps to Avoid Let’s sprinkle some humor here—after all, nothing says “I love the outdoors” like a little laughter amid your adrenaline rush. Did you hear about the hunter who took an umbrella to camouflage himself? He said he heard the rain was coming, and, hey, “The bigger the badger, the bigger the umbrella!” But seriously, amidst all the fun, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources emphasizes that you should wear a fall-restraint harness while in a tree stand. They’re not just for the fashionably late hunters; they might just save your life while you wait for Mr. Big to stroll by. Moreover, there’s a delightfully dangerous statistics that states nearly one in five hunters may experience some sort of hunting accident. Some guys may even fall into the category of “too cool to double-check.” If you’re thinking of skipping that step, picture yourself dangling in a tree, wondering if your life insurance is really going to cover “hunting folly.” I mean, Whitney Houston once said, “The greatest love of all is easy to achieve,” but I’m pretty sure she wasn’t talking about your love for tree branches. The Game Plan: Essential Hunting Safety Tips To ensure a safe adventure, let’s take a practical approach: Check Your Tree Stand: Before you hop up for some hunting glory, do a full inspection of your tree stand. Is it sturdy? Is the tree alive? Because you don’t want to be the only thing resembling 50 shades of dead up there. Wear Proper Gear: Blaze orange for visibility isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a requirement! It’s not an ‘avant-garde statement’; it’s about not being mistaken for a deer by your fellow hunters. Stay Sober: No drinking and climbing, folks! While you might think a little liquid courage will help, climbing a tree while impaired might just end with you impersonating Tarzan, but without the skills! Adventures Await: Embrace the Wisconsin Outdoors! If you’re feeling great about your safety prep—awesome! Now it’s time to enjoy Wisconsin’s outdoor splendor. Whether you’re looking to set up camp in state parks, explore scenic trails, or cast a line in fishing spots, Wisconsin is bursting with adventure. Speaking of casting, did you know that Wisconsin has over 15,000 lakes? With so many options for fishing, you can catch everything from trout to your father-in-law’s attention when he learns how great your fishing tales are! For those who love multi-talents, how about a little kayaking or canoeing after a day of hunting? It’s a great way to both wind down and work on your “paddle face” while relaying the legendary story of “The One That Got Away.” And before we wrap up, remember that the experience of hunting is not just about filling the freezer with venison. It’s about the camaraderie of sharing the woods with friends and family—and often, it’s the campfire stories that end up being the more cherished trophies. Your Wisconsin Adventure Awaits! So gather your gear, cherish your loved ones, and head out into the wild with a heart full of adventure and a mind dedicated to safety. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newbie hoping to bag your first deer, remember: the journey matters as much as the destination! And who knows? The next memorable story you tell could very well involve your own merry mishaps—just leave out the part where your buddies save you from a tree stand. Now, as we bid adieu to this hearty advice, let’s kick off the 2025 Wisconsin deer season with laughter and safety in our hearts. Here’s wishing everyone a successful hunt and lots of fond memories—remember, there’s always next year if this one is a bust!