Terry Houck

Red-tailed hawk shot with arrow

Wernersville, PA  Berks County

June, 2006

Terry Houck, 43, of Wernersville, contacted the Pennsylvania Game Commission on Saturday, August 5th, admitting that he intentionally shot the hawk last month as it was perched on a rabbit.  Houck, who as hunting groundhogs, was charged with unlawful taking of protected birds and failure to wear required fluorescent orange with groundhog hunting. Both are charges are summary offenses.  Wildlife Conservation Officer Dave Brockmeier filed the charges this week with District Judge David E. Glass of Birdsboro.  Houck faces fines of $150 to $400 and the possible revocation of his hunting license.

The female hawk, believed to be 3-6 months old, was first spotted in early July with an arrow sticking through its leg. Despite the injury, the hawk continued to fly, feed and interact with its parents and two siblings.

The Game Commission and Exeter Police began investigating the shooting, and the Lehigh Valley Animal Rights Coalition offered a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter.  Hawks are protected by state, federal and international laws, including the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

The injured hawk was captured July 29th by Lehigh County falconers Al Molchan and John Spess and taken to Wright Veterinary Medical Center in Bethlehem Township. Veterinarian Kirsten Reis sedated the bird and removed the arrow.  After three days recovering at the medical center, the hawk was sent to the Carbon County Environmental Education Center in Summit Hill for rehabilitation.

If the hawk continues to do well, the center plans to release it at the Reading Country Club by next weekend.

Reference:

The Morning Call