(05/24/06) NEWTON ? Internet video of a Sussex County pheasant shoot has sparked outrage among animal rights activists in New Jersey.

Critics of the video want animal cruelty charges filed against individuals who took part in the shoot. According to activists, the footage shows hunters killing birds that are just standing still and waiting to be shot. In addition, the activists believe a posting on www.njhunter.com reveals the birds were drugged at the time of the hunt.

The posting in question reads, ?the birds were put to sleep and tucked in really well so they wouldn?t flush before we got to them.? However, hunting supporters say that terminology describes a common practice in which the bird?s head is tucked under its wing to put it in a calmer state. The SPCA says using birds for target practice is illegal. They plan on investigating the matter.