Tripp Isenhour, PGA Golfer, Charged With Killing Hawk

PGA Tour golfer Tripp Isenhour was charged with killing a hawk on purpose with a golf shot because it was making noise as he videotaped a TV show. Isenhour was with a film crew for "Shoot Like A Pro" on Dec. 12 at the Grand Cypress Golf course. The 39-year-old golfer, whose real name is John Henry Isenhour III, was charged Wednesday with cruelty to animals and killing a migratory bird.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 14 months in jail and $1,500 in fines.

According to court documents, Isenhour got upset when a red-shouldered hawk began making noise, forcing another take. He began hitting balls at the bird, then 300 yards away, but gave up.

Isenhour started again when the hawk moved within about 75 yards, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer Brian Baine indicated in a report.

Isenhour allegedly said "I'll get him now," and aimed for the hawk.

Keep reading

Read more on Isenhour's career

Watch a short video on the red shouldered hawk, a "natural vocalizer" (read: noisy).

Read more about the red shouldered hawk here

Comments

[mi]

what a cruel and childish thing to do

[PingMama]

He should donate lots of money to a hawk rehabilitation center, in addition to the fine.

[jerrypenguin]

Tripp Isenhour has the same characteristics as Cheney the Chicken Hunter. He would fit very well in the same political milieu.

[helonias]

So when will they do a story of what all the fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides that keep golf courses green do to living things?

[apcalc]

This guy should be sent to prison for the maximum time. This kind of behavior must be punished.
What kind of man kills simply because it inconceviences him in his golf game?

Disgusting.

[AmericaIsATerroist]

This is wierd but not THAT unusual. Back in the early 80's, an outfielder named LLoyd Moseby for the Toronto Blue Jays, killed a Seagull with the ball when he was attempting to throw to Home plate. About half way there and WHAM! This gull flies right into the ball's path and drops like, well, a dead bird. I think the fine was like $500. I never understood why, I mean I'm pretty sure that the man wasn't thinking, "Hmm, I could throw Gary Carter out at the plate but I think I'm going to try and shoot down on of those shithawks in mid flight with the ball instead...."

[helonias]

I guess golfers aren't happy enough killing stuff with the fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides used to keep the grass green.

[Dendroica]

RSHs are protected by the Migratory Bird Act of sometime around 1910.

The fine can be up to $10,000 per animal or animal part or nest structure harmed.

I say they hit this guy with $10,000 for each and every shot he took at the bird. And IIRC there can also be a prison term- anyone want to look it up?

[NoSillyName]

Disgusting cretin. Hope he can't pay his way out of this.

[Sean]

What a tool - 'nuff said.

[Pookie2112]

Sure he didn't mean to hit the hawk, sure ... this guy's a major-league tool.

[JulieSA]

Red-shouldereds hang out and nest in the forested areas of parks and golf courses. We have some pairs in our neighborhood, and they can be very noisy during courtship displays, which happen this time of year. They are also very loud when they copulate--one pair used to like to do this in our yard!

I get irritated at golfers, because they seem to think the whole world should shut up just so they can hit their stupid little ball, so I'm not surprised that this golfer was annoyed, but the idiot should have been more careful.

[armadillious2002]

Good shot man - damned good shot. Ought to give this guy a trophy instead of criminal charges.

[Chuckwheat]

Have him clean chicken coops for as long as he can last.

[Groobiecat]

Yeah, Tad, outstanding! Let's hit the club house for a high ball, what say you? x : \

[funky1]

What a complete jerk! And a criminal.... I love golf and play every week and when I first saw the headline I thought maybe it was an accident.... when I read that he 'got mad' and it was intentional - it totally disgusted me. This man should go directly to jail, do not pass go..... and oh yeah, say hi to Michael Vick and hopefully Roger Clemons as well.....

[Leafs16]

Don't quote me on this, but I believe the first report on ESPN said he took a dozen shots. No accident there.