As dove-hunting season approaches, Central Georgia EMC (CGEMC) reminds hunters of the hazards of firing at doves perched on power and fiber-optic lines. Shooting at these lines can cause extensive damage, costing thousands in repairs, and leaving homes and businesses without power and internet. Fiber-optic cables run beneath electric lines and are glass tubes (wrapped in a thin layer of plastic) that shatter when shot, disrupting phone and internet service.

CGEMC experienced 15 incidents of shooting damage during the 2022 and 2023 hunting seasons. We are still calculating the construction, labor, and material costs for replacing the damaged fiber, but splicing costs alone have already exceeded $27,000. The total cost of labor and materials is expected to be much higher.

Damaging electrical equipment violates Georgia law*, which states that anyone who “knowingly and without authority and by force or violence interferes with the operation of any system of public communication, public transportation, sewerage, drainage, water supply, gas, power or other public utility service or with any constituent property thereof” could face criminal charges and/or be held liable for the cost of repairs.

Although most hunters are safety-conscious, gunfire damage to power and fiber lines is a growing issue. To ensure a safe dove-hunting season, CGEMC urges hunters to be aware of the dangers and potential damage from shooting at birds on these lines. *Code O.C.G.A. § 16-7-22(b)(2). 

For the latest information about dove hunting in Georgia, and to check out dove-hunting season dates, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/migratory-bird-info.