Don't Shoot The Lines. Hunter Safety in Regard to Power Lines.

Our cooperative is made up of 55,000+ members; we all rely on the safety and up keep of our power grid. Our power lines and utility poles are the foundation of how we all enjoy the comforts, convenience and the power of reliable electricity and quality internet. An increasing, and unfortunate, issue that’s occurring is our power lines being shot by hunters and gun enthusiasts.

We know the majority of hunters practice safe hunting and they understand the potential hazards when discharging a firearm. We encourage these experienced hunters who are familiar with the area to help identify locations of electrical equipment to the younger, less-experienced hunters and gun enthusiasts. Tampering or misuse of our fiber and electric lines can not only put you in danger but will also affect all other members that are down-line. Just one fiber line damaged by a shot can have a repair cost of $20,000 to $30,000.

Manager of Government Affairs, Matt Teffeau addressed the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission during their May meeting. “We had a very successful meeting with the Wildlife Advisory Commission, they were very supportive and grateful Choptank Electric Cooperative was launching this hunter safety awareness initiative. The suggestion to include additional information in hunter safety education classes about the Don’t Shoot the Lines campaign was made by members of the Commission,” Teffeau said.

Maryland law has several provisions that prohibit hunters from damaging the property of another. Please be advised that if you or hunters you allow on your property cause damage to Choptank’s equipment, you could be fined by the Department of Natural Resources and/or held liable for the cost of repairs.

Please respect yourself, your fellow members and our power infrastructure. Thank you for being a valuable member of Choptank Electric Cooperative; please find helpful safety tips below.

www.choptankelectric.coop/DSTL

Basic Electrical Hunter Safety Rules to Follow:

• Be aware and take note of your surroundings.
• Do not shoot at or near power lines, fiber lines or electrical equipment.
• Familiarize yourself with the location of power lines and equipment on land where you shoot/hunt.
• Do not shoot at, or near, birds perching on utility lines with any type of firearm, including pistols, rifles, shotguns or bows.
• Take notice of warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment.
• Keep a safe distance from power lines and electrical equipment when hunting. Accidents can be easily avoided if you do so.
• Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible.
• Damage to the conductor can happen, possibly dropping a phase on the ground. If it’s dry and the electricity goes to the ground, there is the possibility of electrocution and fire.
• Never use utility poles or towers to support equipment used in your shooting activity.
• Never climb poles or place deer stands on utility poles. Energized lines and equipment on the poles can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them, causing shock or electrocution.
• Do not place decoys or any other hunting /shooting equipment on power lines or other utility equipment. Anything attached to a pole besides utility equipment can pose an obstruction, and a serious hazard, to electric cooperative employees as they perform utility operations.