A heavily pregnant red deer was put down by estate stalkers after it was found with an arrow through its back.
The Scottish Gamekeepers Association blamed poachers for wounding the animal in Wester Ross.
Workers from Inverbroom, Dundonnell and Guinard estates believe the hind could have been suffering for hours or days.
It also had a calf, which is expected to perish without its mother. Allan Cameron, Inverbroom head stalker, said the injury was "horrific".
He said: "She would have been in excruciating pain with very step she took.
"And three lives have been lost because this vicious attack means the calf will simply starve to death without its mother."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7952762.stm
This is about 40 miles South of us. Our area is full of red deer and a regular drive through the mountains in early morning or late evening becomes an game of dodge the deer on the road.
The deers are culled over the winter period to keep the numbers in check, however this is just mean. Any poacher, and most are regulars, know the difference between a stag and a doe, especially one that is pregnant. Most poachers use an 303 rifle, not a ruddy bow and arrow!
What are your views on culling and poaching?
The Scottish Gamekeepers Association blamed poachers for wounding the animal in Wester Ross.
Workers from Inverbroom, Dundonnell and Guinard estates believe the hind could have been suffering for hours or days.
It also had a calf, which is expected to perish without its mother. Allan Cameron, Inverbroom head stalker, said the injury was "horrific".
He said: "She would have been in excruciating pain with very step she took.
"And three lives have been lost because this vicious attack means the calf will simply starve to death without its mother."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7952762.stm
This is about 40 miles South of us. Our area is full of red deer and a regular drive through the mountains in early morning or late evening becomes an game of dodge the deer on the road.
The deers are culled over the winter period to keep the numbers in check, however this is just mean. Any poacher, and most are regulars, know the difference between a stag and a doe, especially one that is pregnant. Most poachers use an 303 rifle, not a ruddy bow and arrow!
What are your views on culling and poaching?