Hunting Safety

Hunt what’s in season

Hunting season brings outdoorsmen of all skill levels and experience into rural Indiana, often to unfamiliar areas. While most hunters follow safe hunting practices, SCI REMC wants to remind hunters to always be aware of their surroundings and watch out for electric power lines in the air and electrical equipment on the ground.

Skilled hunters understand the potential hazards of discharging a firearm and would never shoot blindly toward utility properties, but there have been the rare occurrences over the years of accidental damage and intentional vandalism to some power poles and hardware.

Damage to electrical equipment from gunfire can be costly for both the utility and its customers, and potentially deadly if the damage sparks a fire or affects someone on life-support electrical equipment.

SCI REMC encourages all hunters and gun owners to be aware of electrical equipment in their surroundings while enjoying the great outdoors. Here are things to keep in mind:

  • Avoid shooting near utilities. Never shoot in the direction of power lines, power poles or substations. A stray bullet can cause damage to equipment. Sometimes the damage, such as to an insulator, isn’t noticed until it rains. Then it potentially can cause an outage or a fire.
  • Know your environment. Familiarize yourself with the location of power lines and equipment on land where you shoot. Landowners are encouraged to remind those hunting on their property to be aware of power lines and other electrical equipment.
  • Recognize the risks. Damage to the conductor can happen, possibly dropping a line from its perch. If it’s dry and the electricity goes to ground, there is the possibility of electrocution and fire.
  • Watch for hidden dangers. Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible.
  • Observe signage. Take notice of warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment.
  • Avoid using utility structures. Do not use utility poles or towers to support equipment used in your shooting activity or for supporting deer stands. Energized lines and equipment on the poles can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them, causing shock or electrocution.

We want folks to enjoy the great outdoors and all rural Indiana has to offer. Electrical equipment is in even remote areas and is sometimes hard to see. Please, just be aware of what’s out there.

Electrical safety tips for hunters

This hunting season, electric cooperatives encourage all members to be aware of electrical equipment and take necessary precautions while hunting:

  • Take notice of posted warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment.
  • Do not shoot at or near power lines or insulators.
  • Know where power lines and equipment are located on the land where you hunt.
  • Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible.
  • Do not place deer stands on utility poles or climb poles. Energized lines and equipment can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them, causing shock or electrocution.
  • Do not place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Any non-electrical equipment attached to a pole can pose an obstruction and serious hazards to line crews.

Source: NRECA

General tips hunters should keep in mind

It is not only important for hunters to adhere to electrical safety rules, but it is also very important that they follow basic hunting safety rules. Here are a few to keep in mind:

  • Always carry these emergency items: first aid kit; cell phone; whistle; and flashlight.
  • Tell someone where you will be hunting and what time you plan to return.
  • Familiarize yourself with the area you want to hunt.
  • Wear appropriate clothing: enhance your visibility to other hunters by wearing hunter; pack sufficient clothing to be prepared for weather changes; and dress in layers.
  • Always be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails since other recreationalists are also in the forest. Unless you are 100% sure what you’re shooting at, never take the shot.
  • Tree stands are the leading cause of hunting injuries. If you use one, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and inspect the stand for wear before use. Wear a full body harness.
  • Obtain permission from landowners if hunting on private land.
  • If you’re using a portable electric generator on your hunting trip, make sure you do not run it in a confined area like a cabin or RV. Make sure it’s used outside where there is plenty of ventilation.