Pro Golfer Tripp Isenhour Kills endangered Hawk because it was Disturbing his shooting of an instructional video

ORLANDO, Florida (AFP) — Pro golfer Tripp Isenhour, facing misdemeanor charges and possible jail time after hitting and killing a hawk that is protected by conservation laws, apologized on Thursday.

The incident took place in December, when Isenhour was taping an instructional golf video at the Grand Cypress golf course in Orlando.

If convicted of cruelty to animals and killing a migratory bird, Isenhour could face up to a year in jail and fines.

In an apology released by the PGA Tour on Thursday, the 39-year-old Isenhour said he was "mortified and extremely upset" by the death of the bird.

"I want to let everyone know there was neither any malice nor deliberate intent whatsoever to hit or harm the hawk," he said in the statement. "I was trying to simply scare it into flying away. As evidenced by our family having adopted three cats from a local shelter, I am an animal lover. We ask that everyone accept my sincerest apology, and please be respectful of my family's privacy."

Video sound engineer Jethro Senger, who reported the incident to authorities several days after it happened, said the red-shouldered hawk disrupted the taping with its screeching from about 300 yards away.

According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission documents, Isenhour drove closer to the bird in a golf cart and hit several balls toward it before giving up and returning to the video set.

The hawk then flew closer to the crew, perching in a tree some 75 yards away.

Isenhour tried again, and on his 10th attempt he hit the hawk, which fell to the ground and bled from its nostrils, Senger told investigators.

Isenhour shouted "I didn't think I would hit it," the reports said.

Another video crew member later buried the bird, which has now been recovered by investigators.