doe with arrow in neckI saw this picture on Facebook the other day and it ticked me off, so I did a little digging.

KVAL in Eugene, Oregon, reports: “The wounds hadn’t killed the deer, which were seen walking around with the arrows sticking out of their bodies. Biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife worked with Oregon State Police wildlife officers to track down the deer.They tranquilized the animals, removed the arrows and treated the wounds.

“The deer – an adult doe and a yearling doe – showed no visible signs of infection.

“’Pictures of these deer stuck with arrows have been circulating widely in the media and social media, and understandably, it’s upsetting to see,” said Steve Niemela, Rogue District Wildlife Biologist. “We are happy to say the arrows were removed and these deer have a very good chance of survival.'”

“This is not ethical hunting, it’s a twisted act of poaching,” said Zach Lycett of the Rogue Valley Chapter of Oregon Hunter’s Association. “True ethical hunters respect the animals they hunt and are grateful for the opportunities to hunt. We do not stand for these kinds of criminal acts.”

I am going way out on a limb here and saying this vile act was caused by one or two young people, likely late teens to mid-20s, out for a sick thrill. I have reported on these type of incidents many times in the last 20 years–the criminals almost always turn out to be thrill-seeking young men who were not raised as hunters or archers. Why he or they would pull such a cruel act is beyond me, but he/they need to be caught and punished.

Authorities say this is the second time in as many years that deer have been illegally shot with arrows in this area. There is a reward for information on the person or people responsible.

Call the Oregon tip line at 800-452-7888.