The current “big boy” in GTNP
Large and Distinctive!
Besides his massive size, Hoback’s antlers set him apart for the rest of the current cast of characters in the southern portion of GTNP. For several of the recent years, Hoback grew a “drop tine” from his left antler, making him easy to identify. In 2022, Hoback appeared without the drop tine. Hoback’s other distinguishing feature is a small hole in the middle of his right ear. After letting a few people know about the hole, he was positively identified.
Click Here to return to Best of the TetonsFor several years, Hoback spent the late summers near his “bud”, Shoshone. I saw them together on many occasions as they were growing their racks. After shedding their velvet, they would typically split up and find their own cows. A couple of years ago, well into the rut season, Shoshone appeared with a portion of his right brow tine broken off. At the same time, Hoback had a piece of antler lodged in the fur of his left shoulder. Without witnessing the actual event, we can only speculate they crossed paths and battled for a cow.
