Stag sketches

I need to make a logo for my ongoing portfolio project, which I decided to name "Operation Steel Stag" over the summer. I've had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted to do, but I heard that it's better to sketch a few alternatives anyway, in case something good comes up.
I think I'll stick with the original head held high pose, I realized that giving the antlers an atmospheric depth effect could be cool.

I'm going to sketch some typography, and resolve it in illustrator.