You’ve probably seen the meteorological joke that says instead of four traditional seasons, Indiana really has about a dozen. As of this writing, we’re somewhere around “false fall” or “summer 2.0.” Perhaps the “one perfect week of fall” is in our near future.
Regardless, it’s an exciting time to be outdoors. Leaf changes emphasize our region’s beauty, and temperatures and weather events tend to back off for a bit before winter (or “winter’s return” or “third winter”).
For those responsibly participating in the upcoming 2025 hunting season, there are numerous safety checks involved. Wearing blaze orange, practicing trigger discipline, protecting those in your party and maintaining sufficient first aid are all top priorities.
Electricity concerns likely rank last on such lists. However, making contact with a power line, utility pole or related equipment can alter the path of electricity, causing it to run through anyone who makes direct contact or, in some cases, comes even within 10 feet.
So before setting sights on your next big bag, take a few moments to plan ahead, survey your surroundings, look up and look out for power lines, and remember these tips:
- Know your hunting area: Check legal boundaries, avoid private land, and survey the area for potential electrical hazards.
- Keep away from utility poles: Do not lean tree stands against utility poles. Never climb a utility pole to achieve a vantage point.
- Maintain a clear line of sight: Ensure that no power lines, substations, insulators or conductor cans are in your line of fire.
- Choose trees that aren’t near power lines: When choosing a tree to place a stand in or hunt alongside, make sure limbs don’t extend near or into overhead power lines.
- Make sure you can communicate: In an emergency, you will need a first-aid kit and a reliable way to reach first responders as needed. Keep your phone in a pocket rather than in a pack and bring a portable battery charger.
- Be safe with portable generators: Should you bring a portable electrical generator, don’t use it in any cabin, recreational vehicle or confined area. Use it outside where there’s plenty of ventilation.
- Report any damage you encounter: If you’re hunting in Tipmont service territory, please report any damage to us at 800-726-3953 or memberservice@tipmont.com. Although we regularly perform maintenance, damage in a heavily wooded area may not be observed for weeks or months unless or until an outage occurs.
- Stay away from downed power lines: Maintain at least a 50-foot distance from any downed power line, even if it doesn’t appear to be live. Power lines can still carry electricity when on the ground, risking shock and electrocution. Call 911 or, if you’re in Tipmont territory, call us at 800-726-3953 to help prevent a dangerous situation.
