In a disheartening incident, a deer with an arrow lodged in its side was recently spotted in the Greater Victoria area.
The BC Conservation Officers Service confirmed multiple citizens have reported seeing the deer as they continue to search for the wounded buck.
The distressing image, which surfaced on social media, shows a blacktail deer standing roadside near McKenzie Avenue and Blenkinsop Road with an arrow protruding from its torso. The animal also appears to be suffering a significant wound.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to Saanich Bylaw to clarify the regulations surrounding the use of crossbows in the municipality and we will update this once we hear back.
Why?
Reported to conservation pic.twitter.com/ZyGm2Fw70C
— Leo Spalteholz (@LeoSpalteholz) October 29, 2023
At present, the wounded buck remains mobile, but its condition is unknown. Conservation Officers are diligently searching for the animal to assess its condition and, if possible, remove the embedded arrow.
BC Conservation Officers said they are also investigating the legality of the incident. While there are designated areas for bow hunting along the Saanich Peninsula, officers are investigating whether the deer was legally hunted.
Anyone who spots the injured animal is asked to report it to the RAPP hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
