Dove Season Safety: Protecting Power and Fiber Lines

As dove season approaches, BEC Power and BEC Communications are encouraging hunters to be mindful of utility infrastructure while enjoying time in the field.

Every year, stray shotgun pellets damage power lines, fiber optic cables, and other utility equipment. While these incidents are often unintentional, the consequences can be significant. A single shot can cause outages that impact homes, businesses, schools, remote workers, and essential community services.

During opening week last season alone, BEC experienced four outages, including two on the same property, after utility infrastructure was struck by shotgun pellets.

Whether you're a first-time hunter or a seasoned outdoorsman, taking a few extra moments to identify nearby utility infrastructure can help prevent outages and costly repairs.

How Hunters Can Help Prevent Outages

Before heading into the field, remember these safety tips:

• Avoid shooting near power lines, utility poles, transformers, and communications equipment.
• Stay alert in wooded areas and along field edges where utility lines may be harder to spot.
• Never place decoys on power lines, utility poles, guy wires, or other utility equipment.
• Take time to identify nearby utility infrastructure before setting up your hunt.

Why It Matters

Damage to power and fiber infrastructure can interrupt critical services that communities rely on every day. A single outage can affect electric service, internet connectivity, remote work, online learning, business operations, and more.

By practicing safe hunting habits, hunters can help protect the infrastructure that keeps our communities powered and connected.

At BEC Power and BEC Communications, we appreciate the outdoor traditions that are important to our region. With a little extra awareness, hunters of all ages and experience levels can help prevent outages and ensure a safe and successful dove season for everyone.

Thank you for helping keep our communities powered, connected, and safe.