 
The albino deer, affectionately known as Merlin, that lives in the Holy Hill area has been hit by a car. The Washington County Sheriff’s were called to the 5500 block of Highway 167 at 4:11 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12.Â
Authorities said, prior to their arrival a citizen stopped and noticed the deer was injured and needed dispatching. The 75-year-old town of Erin man, who is a legal CCW permit holder, decided to shoot the deer with his pistol. The deer was not immediately put down.
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Another area resident, a 62-year-old town of Erin man, used the other man’s pistol to shoot the deer again. When the deputy arrived ‘Merlin’ was dead.
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Through the investigation, the Sheriff determined the two subjects discharged the weapon in a safe direction and off of the roadway.
 
Authorities said one concerning issue was the pistol shots took place close to a couple of other residences.
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Both individuals were advised by authorities of the statutory obligations of discharging a weapon while on the lands of another under 941.20(d). Washington County investigators will not pursue any further law enforcement action.
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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources was contacted and advised the albino deer could be release to the motorist that struck it.
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The Sheriff was asked to forward reports to the DNR and they would handle any and all DNR violations that may have occurred.Â
Submitted photos by Chris Ehrett
Pity this majestic animal was struck by a vehicle. Still, it happens. I have recovered more than 50 automobile-struck deer, nearly all of which went into a community food bank. A few times I have been called to a deer-auto accident to find the deer still alive. I dispatched the animal at roadside with a single shot.
These animals cannot be saved. They suffer massive internal trauma and broken bones. They deserve to be put out of their misery as soon as possible. These two men acted properly to end the unnecessary pain of an animal.
Ben Baker