Dove hunting season in Tennessee is underway. While it is an exciting time for hunters, there are some essential hunting safety tips to keep in mind, especially when it comes to power and fiber lines.

Know your surroundings. Before you begin your hunt, identify where power and fiber lines and any other electrical equipment are on the property. Remember, just because you are used to the lines being there, they can still carry high voltage and pose a serious risk of electrocution.

Avoid contact. As with any outdoor activity, maintain a safe distance from power lines and electrical equipment. Be especially cautious in wooded areas where lines might be less visible. Also, be careful where you place stands. Never place deer stands on utility poles or climb utility poles. A good rule of thumb is to stay at least 10 feet away from both lines and any electrical equipment.

Don’t shoot at or near powerlines. When you see a dove sitting on a power line, avoid the temptation to take a shot. If you shoot a power or fiber line, you could cause a power outage or even a communication outage for an entire community, and let’s face it you could even miss the dove while doing so. That risk is definitely not worth the reward.

Be a responsible hunter. While it is a fun hobby, hunters are still responsible for their shots and any damages caused from them.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Southwest Tennessee EMC at 1-888-440-1990. Let’s work together to protect critical infrastructure while enjoying the great outdoors.