Police are hunting poachers after the severed heads of eleven stags were found strewn in a layby.
The majestic animals had their antlers hacked off before their remains were dumped at South Molton, near Exmoor National Park.
Fully-grown antlers can sell for several hundred of pounds each and locals are convinced illegal poachers are behind the massacre.
It is not illegal to shoot deer in daylight but hunters need permission from landowners and licenses for their firearms.
Wildlife crime officer PC Martin Beck said: "We are trying to encourage good sport and tourism for the area but we want to stamp down on illegal practices."
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