Non-Typical

Ok, maybe more weird than wow, but this non-typical whitetail buck caught my eye in a hurry! Taken in July near my place in eastern MT.
Attachment 92419

Canon 1D Mark IV, EF 400 f/2.8L

Wow - that is a funky rack! You have to wonder if it affects their chances with the lady deer.

I talked to some kids early this fall who were out looking for a "spike" elk they'd heard about in the Wasatch backcountry. I'd never heard of such a thing but when they explained it I understood. Certainly would be cool to get a photo of an elk like that - especially since the kids were so intent on getting it as a trophy.

Not sure what kind of spike they were hunting, but up here spikes are generally just young'ns or possibly poorly nourished elk that never develop any forks or extra tines. They are a dime a dozen on drought years.

He could possible have damaged it in the early growth stage. This one could be at a disadvantage during the mating battles this autumn. Hopefully next years antlers will be ok