Little Rock, Ark. — Aug. 29, 2024 — Arkansas dove hunting season is around the corner, and while hunters are excited about the season, don’t forget to keep electrical safety a priority.
Doves often perch on power lines and fiber lines, becoming enticing targets for hunters. The risks of damaging electric and fiber-optic equipment, as well as causing potential physical injury, far outweigh the rewards of hunting.
The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas reminds hunters it is illegal to shoot near or toward power lines, fiber lines, utility poles, transformers or substations.
Stray pellets could damage equipment, possibly interrupting electric or internet service and causing physical risks to those nearby.
Hunters should never trespass onto or hunt in the immediate area of utility property or infrastructure, as they may face civil or criminal liability for doing so.
For your safety, follow these additional tips:
Familiarize yourself with the area before heading out to hunt. Take note of power lines and equipment, especially when hunting in densely wooded areas.
Observe all signs or postings that advise electrical safety, especially when scouting out a location for your tree stand.
Look up and look out for power lines, and do not come within 10 feet of an overhead line or pole when setting up or taking down a stand.
Never climb a utility pole.
Do not place dove decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Nonelectrical attachments can pose an obstruction and serious hazard to our lineworkers.
The 2024-2025 Arkansas Dove Season is Sept. 7 through Oct. 27 and Dec. 8 through Jan. 15, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas comprise 17 electric distribution cooperatives; Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), a Little Rock-based cooperative that provides services to the distribution cooperatives; and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC), a generation and transmission cooperative. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to approximately 600,000 members, or customers, in Arkansas and surrounding states.
For additional information, contact:
Rob Roedel, Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, 501.570.2296 or rroedel@aecc.com www.ecark.org
