Va. Officer Probed In Killing Of Deer

Washington Post ^ | 7/6/05 | Jamie Stockwell

[chambley1]

The injured deer was suffering, so the Arlington County police officer shot it in the head. When that didn't kill it, the deer was run over by a cruiser. Finally, a bag was placed over its head and it suffocated.

[kx9088]

Knife + throat = Saved a bullet and damage to the cruiser.

[SIDENET]

The cop must have been a member of PETA.

[Arkie2]

These guys sound pretty incompetent.

[leadpenny]

In Arlington he'll probably be charged with a Bambi Hate Crime.

[skimbell]

9mm.

[Arkie2]

Waste of metal.

[elli1]

If there can be an upside to this story, it's that the PO was apparently trusted with only one bullet.

[chadwimc]

You guys have never tried to put down a struggling animal. It *DOES* get ugly. I would use all the ammo I had available before I approached a wounded deer with a knife. If the poor critter would not present a safe shot, what are ya gonna do? I've seen a woman getting hysterical over a deer that was obviously in its death throes. If she would have averted her eyes for a few minutes the poor beast would have been coyote bait without any interference.

[Northern Yankee]

If there can be an upside to this story, it's that the PO was apparently trusted with only one bullet.

Barney Fife?

Never doubted the wisdom of Sheriff Andy Taylor.

[E.Allen]

I've dealt with this about six times. The last thing you want to do is get within range of the hooves or antlers of a thrashing deer. If it's moving around it's REALLY EASY to miss a head shot. Was there when one officer missed three shots within six feet (he sucked on the range too)

Best way to take a head shot is to get behind and above the deer, so he doesn't spook, and place the shot between the ears. If he's moving around too much, just take a heart/lung shot, remember, the heart on a deer is low, right behind the sternum.

[8mmMauser]

Cop must not have much experience as a hunter. It is not as simple as the obvious to blast a deer in the head. It's brain is not very big and chances are the poor deer will suffer if hit elsewhere in the head or eye.

Running over it is not so great on the meat either. Too bad.

Inept.

[Mad Dawg]

These guys sound pretty incompetent.

I'd like to know how many people who aren't farmers, hunters, or vets know how to put down an animal with one shot. I know not because of my law enforcement work but because I'm a sheep farmer ... and even the prescribed method doesn't always work the first time out.

Even then, most people who aren't involved with death up close and personal don't understand that even a well-placed head shot doesn't always lead to instant death. You may have taken care of any lingering consciousness, but the body systems don't just stop like they hit a wall.

Having said that, running over with a cruiser was NOT the best idea of the week. (I think they carry S&W .40 in Arlington, but I could be wrong -- however a well-placed nine would do. Heck, a well-placed .22 would do it.)

[PilloryHillary]

What a baffoon! Reminds me of a scene in the Jim Carey movie "Me Myself & Irene" when Carey shot & pistol whipped a cow that wouldn't die.

[Man50D]

The cop must have been a member of PETA.

I doubt the cop was a PETA member. PETA is much more effective at killing their animals. PETA should offer, as a public service, to train the police department on proper killing techniques.

[rabidralph]

It takes a lot of aggression to kill a deer. Arlington should have called a female firefighter from Fairfax Co.

[Arkie2]

LOL! I've taken my share of deer and never failed to put one down.

[ko_kyi]

Rasputin Deer

[lionheart 247365]

UNBELIEVABLE !!! It's sounds like the deer got better treatment than TERRY SCHIAVO .

[8mmMauser]

Thirteen days of dehydration would work on a deer, too. But that is too cruel for an animal or a criminal.