A new segment of dove hunting is about to begin and CVEC would like to remind our members that shooting at power lines is not just dangerous and costly. It is also a federal offense.
Fiber optic cable is a new addition to electric poles and runs adjacent to and underneath the electric lines. “Damage to fiber during dove hunting season is a new phenomenon for broadband providers and for local hunters,” says CEO and President, Gary Wood. “These folks have been hunting the same land for years and rarely caused damage by shooting at doves on the power lines. However, now there is fiber just beneath the power lines that is susceptible to birdshot. This is an opportunity for us to educate Virginia hunters about this change and to spread the word.”
Fiber optic cable helps bring high-speed internet to our members, neighbors, and communities. The optical fibers are protected by glass tubing, which shatters upon impact when shot. Costs to repair a damaged cable can range in the thousands, with the average this year around $25,000 to repair. Those who fired the shot and the landowner may be held responsible for the damaged line.
A single broken fiber can also interrupt internet and phone communications, as well as emergency services for entire communities. Without broadband service, 911 emergency first responders are unable to communicate, which can lead to serious delays in emergency response systems. So far in 2025, through the first segment of dove season, Virginia has more than 300,000 broadband customer outage minutes due to shot lines.
Communities depend on their broadband to work to help businesses run, children learn in their schools, and first responders help those in need. This dove season, be a good neighbor, obey the law, and please don’t shoot at birds on the line. Let’s work together to keep our communities connected and safe.
Photos by Virginia Statewide Association of Broadband Cooperatives