‘Renowned Huntsman’ Killed by Pet Deer

(#Newser)
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A hunter in #Ireland died #Tuesday after a pet deer he was feeding attacked him, the #Irish #Examiner reports. #Gerard #Withers, described as a “renowned huntsman,” was gored and trampled by the stag at the #Duhallow #Hunt #Kennels in #Liscarroll, per the #Irish #Independent, which notes that male deer become aggressive during the breeding season that runs from #September to #December. #Deer and other animals are often kept at kennels so foxhounds become familiar with them and don’t chase them during hunts, according to the #Examiner.

#Withers, a married father of three young children, was found after friends became worried about him when he didn’t return from feeding the animal. The 45-year-old was unresponsive. #He was given emergency medical care, but was pronounced dead later at a local hospital. “#It happened out of the blue,” one friend tells the #Independent. “#You can’t anticipate something like this happening. #We are all devastated. #We have lost a good man and a good huntsman.” (#Read more animal attack stories.)