I could barely sleep last night. I kept thinking about the big buck Dad saw on the trail cam last week. My alarm went off way too early, but I didn’t even care — I was already wide awake. I threw on my warmest gear, grabbed my backpack and tiptoed out the door like a ninja so I wouldn’t wake my little sister.
It was a cool, crisp morning. My boots crunched with every step as we walked to the stand, and my breath made little clouds in the cold air. Dad gave me a thumbs-up before he walked to his stand nearby, and Grandpa and I climbed in his.
Now I’m sitting here, watching the woods wake up.
The sunrise is turning the sky orange and pink, and it’s so quiet I can hear my own heartbeat. Then — crunch. I freeze. Something’s moving. My hands grip the rifle tighter. Could it be him? The big one?
I hold my breath and wait. I nudged Grandpa to show him that the buck was coming. “Can I shoot?” Before Grandpa could even answer, I had my barrel out the deer blind window and waited for the perfect shot. Boom!
“Grandpa, I got him.”
Now came the hard part, waiting. After 30 minutes, Grandpa said that we could finally walk over to the deer.
There it was, a nice 7 pointer.
As hunting season approaches, excitement builds for time outdoors. I’d like to share these safety tips with you before you head into the woods. My mom works at OEC and has shared them with me.
Power lines and utility equipment are often out of sight— and out of mind — especially in wooded or rural areas.
Ignoring them can lead to serious injuries or even death.
Keep these tips in mind to stay safe and avoid costly or dangerous incidents:
• Scout the area. Before hunting, take time to scout your area during daylight. Look for power lines, poles and electrical equipment. Note their locations to avoid them later.
• Power safely. If you’re using a portable electrical generator on your hunting trip, don’t use it inside a cabin or RV, or in a confined area. Make sure it’s used outside where there is plenty of ventilation.
• Avoid aiming toward power lines or equipment. Never fire near or toward poles, lines, substations or transformers. A stray bullet could knock down a line, interrupt power or create a deadly hazard.
• Keep your distance. Always stay at least 10 feet away from overhead lines, poles and other electrical infrastructure when setting up or taking down tree stands.
• Never climb a utility pole. Even if it looks like the perfect vantage point, don’t do it. Poles carry high-voltage lines, and climbing them can be deadly.
• Don’t use utility poles for support. Tree stands or blinds should never be attached to or supported by power poles or electrical equipment.
Know the danger of downed lines. If you come across a downed power line or damaged electrical equipment, stay at least 50 feet away, even if it doesn’t appear to be live.
Power lines can still carry electricity when on the ground, posing a risk of shock or electrocution.
Call 911 or your utility right away to help prevent a dangerous situation.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or heading out for the first time, staying aware of your surroundings could save your life.
Blake Jagiello is the son of Katie Jagiello, Oconto Electric Cooperative’s communications and marketing specialist. This article first appeared in the OEC November 2025 newsletter.
