This little gem from the past comes from a Buffalo News story published April 25th, 1992 that occurred in Potosi, Missouri. One of those “You can’t make it up” stories.
Larry Lands, a local hunter in his early forties and his sixteen year old son Larry Jr. decided to get a week long head start on the 1992 Missouri Spring Wild Turkey opener. After poaching a wild turkey gobbler the stacking of things that could go wrong, did and did so with a vengeance.
As reported, the gobbler after being shot and thought expired was placed in the trunk of the car intact along with a loaded shotgun. As some engaged in out of season poaching might be discreet, somewhat stealthy in their actions this was not the case in this matter. The father and son proceeded to a neighbor’s residence for bragging rights and to show off the bounty of their preseason jaunt.
As Larry’s son retrieved the gobbler from the trunk, the bird began flopping and succeeded in grabbing the shotgun by the trigger guard and fired a round through the car’s exterior at Larry Sr. The bird’s attempt at retribution failed ultimately, but did result in a leg wound that was later treated at Washington County Memorial Hospital. Larry Sr, was reported in stable condition at the time of the original story.
Sheriff Skiles is quoted “The turkeys are fighting back,” “They’ll probably be fined.”
A records search did not reveal if weapons charges related to a loaded weapon in the vehicle or shooting protecting game out of season were levied or any penalties resulting from court actions.
-MJ
© 2021 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
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