Animal Rescue Group Cries Out About Wild Turkey 'Slaughter' Before Hunting Season

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — Animal advocates say they are outraged about a wild turkey who was shot with an arrow before the start of hunting season.

According to representatives from the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center in Hampton Bays, on September 28, six weeks before hunting season officially begins, a call came in about a wild turkey badly hurt; the turkey was found with an arrow protruding from its body, they said.

A trained volunteer was sent to capture the turkey, said EAWRC members, "but the turkey was very frightened and eluded capture. One week later, another call was received regarding the same turkey. A volunteer was dispatched who captured the turkey easily as it was already deteriorating from the infection that the arrow caused. The arrow was through his wing, into the upper body and came out through his lower neck area."

According to rescuers, the turkey was "dehydrated and starving to death."

Despite medical care and the removal of the arrow, the turkey "succumbed to the devastating wound," EAWRC members aid.

The EAWRC alleges that they called the New York State Department of Environmental Protections' law enforcement division to inspect the turkey carcass and the arrow and to report illegal turkey hunting, "but they never responded despite photos we sent to them."

Virginia Frati, executive director of the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, spoke out on the incident: "This is deplorable. Not only is this well before turkey hunting season, but it shows that animals are not killed outright with bows and arrows. Many suffer a long and painful death before they are found."

The DEC responded to the charges by the EAWRC in an email to Patch.

"DEC received a call from the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center on October 4, 2016 about the case," wrote Aphrodite Montalvo, citizen participation specialist, office of communication services, New York State Department of Environmental Preservation. "DEC law enforcement is currently investigating the incident. The Long Island turkey hunting season takes place from November 19 to December 2. This incident would be considered a violation of Environmental Conservation Law, taking small game out of season, and can be punishable by up to $250 and/or up to 15 days in jail," she said.

Anyone with information on this incident should contact DEC law enforcement at (631) 444-0250.