Wearing a bright orange vest, keeping your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, and only pointing at your target. These are some of the safety measures associated with hunting, and electrical safety should be added to the list.
    Never shoot near or toward power lines, power poles, transformers or substations.  A stray bullet could not only damage equipment, potentially interrupting electric service, but could be deadly to the shooter. Damage to the conductor could drop the line to the ground, causing a possibility of electrocution to those nearby.
    Hunters are urged to follow these safety tips while out hunting:
    • Familiarize yourself with the location of power lines and equipment on land where you shoot.
    • Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible.
    • Take notice of warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment.
    • Do not place deer stands on utility poles or climb poles. Energized lines and equipment on the poles can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them.
    • Do not place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Anything attached to a pole, except for utility equipment is an obstruction and poses a serious hazard to utility workers.
    Don’t make lineman hunt for problems caused in a hunting area. Sometimes damage isn’t noticed for several weeks or months, or unless an outage occurs.
    Keep yourself and your utility safe this hunting season.