O.T.-- LARGE OWL---Don't know what, if anything, to do.

Jiles · Jan 12, 2010

I just went outside to use my tractor and a large Owl was setting on it. When it flew off, I noticed that it had, what looked to be, an arrow hanging down from its body. The bird seemed to be alert and had no difficulty flying. I did notice that the arrow was moving with the bird's body, not swinging, which indicates a deep entry. This is not the first time I have seen an Owl in my yard.
How in the world would you catch an Owl to attend to it's injuries?
Should I do anything?

omahagreg · Jan 12, 2010

I would report it too humane society/game warden and let them proceed however they deemed necessary. Greg

Anonymous-0 · Jan 12, 2010

Let it alone, it will die on its own. Some agency will spend $500. plus trying to fix it.

Jahaze · Jan 12, 2010

Unfortunantly, if the arrow is in deep, it won't be long before it dies (will starve to death if nothing else). However, from the way you describe it, the bird seems to be getting along just fine with the arrow stuck in it, and may be able to shake the arrow out over time. The best way to handle it would be to either contact a wildlife official if you can locate the bird again and let them deal with it, or simply euthanize the bird yourself if the opportunity presents itself. If you choose the second option, it's best if you keep it to yourself as owls are a federally protected species.

rrlund · Jan 12, 2010

I can see a real problem cropping up with those nut jobs treading all over your place waiting for an injured bird to come back. I'd be keeping quiet about this one. He'll die or move on and be somebody elses problem.

glennster · Jan 12, 2010

you can call either the local game warden or your conservation dept. they will probably do the rescue on it. they are protected, so they shouldnt have a problem coming out to get it.

JayinNY · Jan 12, 2010

Is it even legal to shoot an owl, even if so, why would anbody...? Maybe it was after someones chickens!

Anonymous-0 · Jan 12, 2010

Don't tell anyone . DNR will claim your tractor is part of it's natural habitat and forbid you to use it ever again . lol

davpal · Jan 12, 2010

Call the DNR and have them come out and get it. They have places to take it to get it fixed back up. Then maybe the DNR can find out who shot it and go put an arrow in their neck. This country is so full of redneck retards it's unbelievable.

Ecnerwal · Jan 12, 2010

Of course it's not legal to shoot an owl. All raptors are federally protected. $25,000 fine, whether it's a bald eagle, kestrel, owl, whatever.

As such, call the game warden at minimum. If they can track down the owner of the arrow, that person needs a le$$on in hunting.

And don't touch the dang thing yourself unless you happen to be a licensed wild bird rehabilitator. Certainly don't go killing it yourself. There are folks that might be able to help it, if it's still able to fly around with the thing in it -they'd get it to a vet, remove the arrow, and try to get it back in shape for wild release - though the odds are pretty long on this actually working, it's not impossible given no broken wing.

Traditional Farmer · Jan 12, 2010

Call the 'authorities' and you might end up it being an endangered species and you barred off part of your place.

NEKS · Jan 12, 2010

rrlund said it right. A lot of people in them postions are not your friend anymore.

Kansas Cockshutt · Jan 12, 2010

Sure it just did not have something in its talons? Just saying, I was not there and you probably got a better look, but I have seen raptors carrying snakes and such before....

Spook · Jan 12, 2010

I would call the DNR folks or look up a local wildlife group. We have done that, found a hawk that was injured, they came out and picked it up. Bird had a bad wing, it is still at the local nature center, has been there for several years, local schools come thru and the kids learn about the critters we share our world with. Only guy I ever heard of prosecuted for shooting them here was a local redneck who was selling the parts on the net.

Spook · Jan 12, 2010

I would call the DNR folks or look up a local wildlife group. We have done that, found a hawk that was injured, they came out and picked it up. Bird had a bad wing, it is still at the local nature center, has been there for several years, local schools come thru and the kids learn about the critters we share our world with. Only guy I ever heard of prosecuted for shooting them here was a local redneck who was selling the parts on the net.

Anonymous-0 · Jan 12, 2010

You are 110% correct.

Even tho you want to do the correct and humane thing, the way the do-gooders and their willing 'partners' in law 'enforcement', operate, you will become the villian and scapegoat, before all is said and done.

Law 'enforcement' at any level IS NOT your 'friend'.

MarkB_MI · Jan 12, 2010

You know the right thing to do: report it to the proper authority: DNR, Division of Wildlife, whatever it is in your state. They may not try to capture the bird, but at least they'll know someone in the area is shooting owls, which are protected species. The idea that you will get into trouble by reporting it is absurd.

2x4 · Jan 12, 2010

yes you should do something. Owl noodle soup is even better for you than chicken noodle soup.

ChrisB · Jan 12, 2010

In Boston a commercial fisherman had a whale tangled in his net 150 miles or so off shore. He freed the whale and and had to fight to keep out of jail. They fined him $500 for doing the deed. Seems he was suppose to call the "authorities" and let them free the whale.

Food for thought.

http://www2.turnto10.com/jar/news/local/article/mass._fisherman_fined_for_disentangling_whale/24268/

BillinCentralMO · Jan 12, 2010

What you are saying is WHoooo should you call ?

Anonymous-0 · Jan 13, 2010

No wonder these birds are getting shot, most of you are too afraid to open your mouth so how will the authorities ever know there is a lunatic out there, report it, the authorities rely on these reports. It's not like the whale, you are not handling it, only observing and when can you get stung for that.
There is also no certainty that the bird will die.

Anonymous-0 · Jan 13, 2010

No wonder these birds are getting shot, most of you are too afraid to open your mouth so how will the authorities ever know there is a lunatic out there, report it, the authorities rely on these reports. It's not like the whale, you are not handling it, only observing and when can you get stung for that.
There is also no certainty that the bird will die.

MirageFlatter · Jan 13, 2010

There are raptor rescue and rehabilitation folks in a lot of areas. If you contact your local fish and game agency, they will get in touch with people with appropriate knowledge and skills. If you're lucky, they can remove the arrow, doctor the wound, and leave the owl on your property. I like seeing owls around, they catch a lot of mice, rats, gophers, and other vermin. I hope you can save him, and get to keep him, he'll do way more good than harm!! :wink:

buickanddeere · Jan 13, 2010

(quoted from post at 12:40:56 01/12/10) I just went outside to use my tractor and a large Owl was setting on it. When it flew off, I noticed that it had, what looked to be, an arrow hanging down from its body. The bird seemed to be alert and had no difficulty flying. I did notice that the arrow was moving with the bird's body, not swinging, which indicates a deep entry. This is not the first time I have seen an Owl in my yard.
How in the world would you catch an Owl to attend to it's injuries?
Should I do anything?

You will avoid a lot of trouble if you "Don't give a hoot".

O.T.-- LARGE OWL---Don't know what, if anything, to do.

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