At first glance, a utility right of way might seem like a great place to plant or set up. It’s often clear, open, and straight. But there are some critical safety reasons to think twice.
Be Cautious Under Power Lines or in Rights of Way
Rights of way are kept clear so crews can safely access and maintain the power lines. Planting crops or fields for wildlife beneath power lines can interfere with this work.
More importantly, tall crops or equipment used to plant or manage those fields (like tractors or seeders with tall implements) can come dangerously close to live lines, risking serious injury or worse.
Stay safe:
- Never plant directly under or near power lines or within a utility’s right of way.
- Contact your local utility before doing any work near power poles or transmission lines.
- Use GPS or property maps to clearly mark right of way boundaries.
Stand Clear: Locating Shooting Houses and Deer Stands
That narrow strip of cleared land under a transmission line might look like the perfect shooting lane, but it comes with serious risks.
Power lines and poles should never be used as backdrops or sight lines when placing a deer stand or shooting house. A missed shot or ricochet could strike a pole, wire, or transformer and cause damage, outages, or worse.
Safety tips for stands:
- Place all stands and shooting houses well away from utility poles, guy wires, and power lines.
- Never attach a stand, ladder, camera, or gear to a power pole or tower.
- Always identify what’s behind your target and never let that be a utility structure.
Dove Hunting? Watch Where You Aim
Utility lines are especially vulnerable during dove season. Doves often perch on power lines and poles, tempting hunters to shoot in their direction.
Firing near or toward power lines is both dangerous and illegal in many states. A single stray pellet can knock out power or damage expensive equipment. Worse, it could injure a lineman working nearby or create a fire hazard.
Smart dove hunting practices:
- Choose a field well away from any power lines or equipment.
- Make it a rule in your hunting party: no shooting near or over power lines.
- Teach younger hunters why it matters, not just for legal reasons, but for safety too.
When in Doubt, Ask
If you’re unsure where a right of way begins or ends, or need help understanding where it’s safe to plant or hunt, call us or any utility. We’ll be glad to help—and your caution could prevent a serious accident or outage. Enjoy the season. Hunt smart. Stay safe around power lines—every shot, every stand, every time.