A giant stag reputed to be the biggest wild animal in Britain has been shot dead.
The male red deer, known as the Emperor, was reportedly killed by a trophy hunter in Exmoor, Devon. He was apparently shot legally after the landowner was paid for the shooting rights.
Emperor was 9ft tall to the tips of his antlers and is believed to have weighed some 300lbs. His demise comes several days after his picture was published in newspapers.
One local deer enthusiast said two shots had been heard close to the main Tiverton to Barnstaple road. He added that a group of people were out watching stags close to the spot where Emperor was killed earlier this month.
Peter Donnelly, an Exmoor-based deer management expert, said he was angry the animal had been shot during the mating season.
He told the Times: "It could be that he didn't get a chance to rut properly this year, therefore his genes have not been passed on this time round.
“The poor things should be left alone during the rut, not harried from pillar to post. If we care about deer we should maintain a standard and stop all persecution during this important time of the year.”
It is estimated Emperor’s mounted head could fetch as much as £2,000 if properly stuffed.
PA