Hunting season brings outdoorsmen of all skill levels and experience into rural Indiana, often to unfamiliar areas. While most hunters follow safe hunting practices, Indiana’s electric cooperatives want 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,” said Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training and compliance at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “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.

Indiana’s electric cooperatives 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,” noted Elkins. “Electrical equipment is in even remote areas and is sometimes hard to see. Please, just be aware of what’s out there.”