A deer with a crossbow arrow sticking out of its head was spotted wandering up Coal Creek Canyon near Golden, Colorado.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers received a report late Saturday evening regarding a deer with an arrow pierced through the middle of its head near the intersection of Highway 72 and Copperdale Lane, just east of the town of Wondervu. Wildlife officers tracked down the deer on Sunday and were forced to euthanize it due to injuries suffered and risk of infection.

An investigation is underway to determine whether the deer was shot legally, as there is an active hunting season taking place in this particular unit (Game Management Unit 38) of the state, which runs from December 1 through January 31.

Coal Creek Canyon, locally known as Coal Creek, is located just a short distance away from Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Eldora Mountain. It’s a popular spot to catch roaming wildlife. Here’s a look at where it’s located on the map.

It is illegal to discharge a firearm or shoot an arrow from across or on any public road. People firing a bow, rifle, handgun, or shotgun having a single slug must be at least 50 feet from the centerline of the road. Hunters must carry their licenses and be prepared to show them upon request. For more rules and regulations from CPW, click here.

Anyone who has any information regarding this case is asked to contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 303-291-7227. Reports can also be made anonymously by contacting the Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648 or game.thief@state.co.us.