Both homes and solar panels in northeastern Dodge County have been struck with stray rifle bullets in recent years. 

The Zumbro River Sportsman’s Club – the nearest gun range to the incidents – has discontinued rifle shooting there, said Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose. 

Evidence from the homes that have been struck and the broken solar panels is inconclusive as to the origin of some of the more recent bullets. 

As Sheriff Rose explained, “Houses are being built closer to the range. And there are just more homes in areas that used to be wide open space. People doing a little target practice on their own property may not realize how far stray bullets can travel. In the last few years, we’ve had two homes hit by gunfire in that area – one home took rounds to the back of the home while the family was outside, and the other home took a round into one of their kid’s bedrooms right above the bed. To those who are shooting on their property, please be much more careful and realize that the consequences risked by careless shooting include not only being responsible for the cost of the property damage (which can be very expensive at the solar farm), but worse the possibility of a round striking one of your neighbors or their kids.”

“Bullets missing their targets or just fired randomly can still kill,” said Sheriff Rose.