“It’s really rare to see a deer like that, so it’s really easy to identify him. Most of the deer around here don’t live that long, they get harvested or hit by cars at 2 or 3 years old, so that buck was pretty special.”
While the Hollywood Buck may no longer roam the grounds of the historic cemetery, the memory of the majestic creature lives on in the hearts of those who loved and admired him. The illegal killing of such a beloved and iconic deer serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and the consequences of not following hunting laws and regulations.
As the two hunters face their legal repercussions for their actions, the community mourns the loss of a truly unique and magnificent animal. The Hollywood Buck may be gone, but his legacy will continue to inspire a commitment to protecting and preserving the natural world and its inhabitants for generations to come.
At a certain age, deer are able to reach their full potential and live out the majority of their lives in privacy and protection. This was the case for a deer living in a neighborhood or cemetery where hunting was prohibited. However, the peaceful existence of this deer was disrupted when photos of it were shared with Star City Whitetails by a man named Walters.
It was surprising to many, including Phillips, that Walters would expose himself in this way. Phillips expressed his disdain for those who hunt for glory and ego boosts, emphasizing the need for a change in Walters’ behavior. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Phillips acknowledged the role his Facebook page played in Walters’ apprehension.
Although the situation was not ideal, Phillips was grateful for the assistance of his followers and law enforcement in catching Walters. He highlighted the significance of social media in aiding in criminal investigations and noted that without Walters’ own actions, he may have never been caught.
The incident serves as a reminder of the power of social media in holding individuals accountable for their actions. Phillips hopes that Walters’ arrest will lead to a shift in his behavior and serve as a deterrent to others who may consider similar actions in the future.