The Emperor of Exmoor, a red stag (Cervus elaphus), was reportedly killed in October 2010.[1] [2] [3] [4] Its weight has been estimated as over 300lb and its height at 9feet.[1] Red deer on Exmoor National Park are larger than red deer in Scotland owing to their diet.[5]
The deer was given its nickname by photographer Richard Austin.[1] Its body was reportedly discovered near the A361 road between Tiverton and Barnstaple in Devon, during the annual rutting season.[6] It was reportedly killed by a licensed hunter,[1] [6] and an unnamed man reported hearing two shots.[7] Within a few days, other local observers reported having seen the animal alive,[8] leading to the suggestion that this may be a manufactured story. Few of the reported facts can actually be verified. The Guardian called the story "a myth".[9]
The animal was believed to be around 12 years old at the time of the claim, but healthy.[2] [6] Older animals are sometimes culled, particularly when their incisor teeth are worn, making it difficult for them to survive the winter, but a former worker in deer management stated that "The Emperor was starting to get past his best, but he was definitely not at that stage yet."[7]
The same observer stated, on the topic of stalking during rut, "... we should maintain a standard and stop all persecution during this important time of the year",[6] but the practice is legal and the importance of hunting, both in species management and to the local economy, is asserted by the national park authority.[10]
Deer stalking is legal in Britain under the Deer Act 1991, although hunters must seek permission from the landowner.[2] The heads can fetch over £1000.[6] The possible death of the Emperor of Exmoor prompted several MPs to sign an Early Day Motion with the intent to ban hunting of wild animals in Britain.[11]
A head said to resemble the Emperor's was hung in the Hartnoll Hotel in Bolham, Devon in December 2011. The head was removed after the hotel received threats.[12]