First of all, IMO it is really hard/nearly impossible to be a score 'expert' by looking at a picture online..with 1 antler showing, upside down on a mule no less.....I am all for questioning where the score came from, it makes us all better judges, but I cant stand negativity from resident monster muley elk 'experts'. The animal is magnificent and I congratulate the hunter on a trophy and experience of a lifetime.
Here is the scoop....I had the priveledge to help score the animal. It was scored by 1 master and 2 official SCI scorers. YES IT IS LEGIT 433 SCI. This may help clarify the score. SCI system is not all that different than a B&C Gross Score, the theory is if the animal expended resources to grow it, we should count it....I tend to agree with this system, but we all have our opinions......In the SCI system (not sure about B&C)a tine is determined by following 'bloodlines' back to the tine or in this case to the mainbeam. On the droptine that is forked the bloodlines run all the way to the main beam on both point of the fork. Biologically speaking this means that the elk grew these points and expended the necessary resources necessary to grow the mainbeam and its tines relatively independent of each other. I dont remember specifics but the frame was approx 370 with roughly 60+ inches of extras from droptines.
By the way, the mount came out incredible as well. Hats off the Carl at Mountain Legends Taxidermy.