Archer has been released to his flock

On Thursday evening, July 11th, Archer was released back to his flock out in the Ramona Country Estates. As you remember, Archer was the wild turkey that someone shot with a target arrow.  The arrow pierced Archer through the back and the arrow protruded 6 inches out his chest. Ramona based Emergency Animal Rescue volunteers spent 3 months tracking and setting traps to capture Archer but, since the arrow didn't impede his ability to fly, he was able to elude them time and time again.  But persistence pays off and they were eventually able to get him in to Acacia Animal Hospital.  Lead veterinarian  Dr. Bone and her staff at Acacia were extraordinary and performed the surgery that successfully removed the arrow from his chest.  A vet tech cared for Archer while undergoing an antibiotic program to reduce the infections and then Emergency Animal Rescue members finalized his recuperation for a week and a half of feeding and exercise to put some weight back on him and strengthen him up before release.  Many of the excited citizens of the Estates were there for the release. As Archers kennel was opened and the residents had their cameras ready, he poked his head out, saw an opening, and baled out.  He spent little time hanging around to thank anyone.  Archer jumped from the kennel and quickly ran off to freedom.  Through this ordeal, Archer had become stressed and plucked feathers from his back and chest.  But his wings were still feathered so he should be able to fly up into the trees to roost at night.  A huge thank you to everyone involved in this 4 month rescue and release of Archer.