The Furry Crown

Antlers. They have fascinated humankind since the beginning of time. Going back thousands of years, one can observe man's deep-seated love for “animals with antlers” etched and beautifully painted on the ancient walls of caves. Antlers once served as trophies in a different, more meaningful way before they transitioned to becoming decorative pieces on the walls of our hunting camps and game rooms. In times before modern civilization, these remarkable structures were ingeniously utilized to create tools, ceremonial attire, and even weapons, just to name a few of their many functions. During the growing season, which spans from spring through summer, antlers are prominently covered in a delicate and soft membrane most commonly known as velvet. When antlers are in velvet, they become extremely vulnerable to injury. Bucks seem particularly aware that they possess this fragile yet magnificent treasure on their heads, displaying a cautious demeanor throughout the entire antler growth process.

I captured this photograph on an early spring morning while I was out for a leisurely walk at the local wildlife refuge. There were hundreds of birds fluttering about, but despite their lively presence, it did not seem like any of them wanted to be the model for my photoshoot that day. As I walked down a serene trail, I suddenly spotted this young buck lying gracefully on the ground. His fuzzy white antlers sparkled in the sunlight as he reclined there, intently observing whether I posed a threat as a potential predator. His wide, expressive eyes immediately caught my attention. Unlike the more confident bucks I had encountered in the fall, his demeanor was marked by a sense of vulnerability and concern for his delicate crown adorning his head. I absolutely love this picture because his captivating eyes and unique antlers are eloquently telling the poignant story of this deer.

Location: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado