Wisconsin community outraged after Bowtie the deer poached

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (WPVI) -- A Wisconsin community is sad and outraged after a beloved deer was poached in a public park.

The deer, nicknamed Bowtie for the white on his neck, was a familiar sight to joggers, cyclists and hikers on the Oak Leaf Trail in Wauwatosa.

Photos of the majestic deer appeared on calendars, outdoor magazines and websites.

But last weekend, as a hiker stopped to take a picture of his own, a hunter killed Bowtie with a crossbow.

"It kind of reminds me of the Cecil the lion thing. Apparently this deer was a big pet almost for people in the area who knew him," said park visitor Ray Hamilton.

The hunter fled, but Wisconsin wildlife officials tracked him down, and cited him with $1,000 in violations.

Neighbors say they'll miss seeing Bowtie, but are glad they have so many pictures to remember him by.