field judging elk test

If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. Skills Leave a comment Inside spread measurements are rarely over 45 and mass is rarely over 32 per side. This number comes from the average measurements of a typical mature bull elk that scores a 350 on a Boone and Crocket. A perfect, typical trophy rack has a combination of long points, long beams, good mass and a wide spread. Just remember that very few elk that look "big" have thin antlers. When a bull has his head down feeding, I determine whether the main beam is higher or lower than the hump on his back above his shoulder. Visit www.boone-crockett.org. If you can add an ear and a half, then the inside spread measures 44.5 inches. The dagger point is usually the longest point, and on a monster bull it will be half-again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick, or even almost double that measurement. First, I will start with the magic number of 200. Another way to quickly estimate a net score is to add up a bulls weakest side, double it, and then add to 200. Guy Eastman shares his tips for how to age elk on the hoof. As a result, we put too much pressure on ourselves to kill a bull that scores X amount. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. Example: You estimate 8 inches between the ear tip and the widest point of the main beam. The dagger point is usually the longest point, and on a monster bull it will be half-again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick, or even almost double that measurement. Curve means greater length. Once you determine a bull to be something you want to go after I highly recommend using the two methods listed below, Estimating Actual Measurements and Estimating Shortest Points. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. Again, because of eight circumference . Jay Scott Outdoors For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. On a big American elk, the distance from the burr of the antler to the tip of the nose is about 15-4/8 inches. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. He told me that if I think I'm looking at a 350" bull, to start with a base score of 200. For instance, if a bull is a fairly symmetrical 66 just add up one side of his points (G1, G2, G3, G4, & G5) and multiply by two. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. Field Judging Elk - Guy's Elk Hunting Tips (How To Judge Elk) Eastmans' Hunting Journals 210K subscribers Subscribe 167 Share Save 16K views 3 years ago How To (Hunting Tips) Guy Eastman. In good habitat, a bull may have a 5-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then a small six-point rack as a 3-1/2-year-old. Las Vegas, NV 89113. Here is an example with the actual measurements of the bull that was harvested byColburn and Scott Outfittershunter Tim Allen in 2009 in Arizona Unit 10 during the archery hunt. From there, I just go off emotion. You do not measure the bases as the first measurement which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. I highly recommend dissecting a bull thoroughly before deciding to harvest that animal. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. You are using an out of date browser. The final way to judge is through the Estimating Shortest Points Magic 200 Method. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. Lots of belly or curve in the points and the main beam means greater length. -Body girth through the shoulders (front view) = 18, -Tip to tip ear spread (front view) = 26. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. scoring Get your notebook out. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. On a 66, the last point matters a lot. Check back next week when I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging elk. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. The first method is to air judge also known as the wing-it approach, which is based on experience and prior knowledge. This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it can be much quicker and easier. The inside spread must be 30" or greater between the main beams. I often use 2 anatomical measurements: first, the distance from ear tip to ear tip and second, the actual ear length itself. Growing up on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and predators. I think if a bull grows it, he should get credit for it. I would love to have a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged to be 400. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. Ive made this mistake before and regretted it. The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. 2nd point=just as long and curles. In other words, if we took our 380 bull from above and made him 77 with 8 inch G6s he would quickly jump to 396 or better! Time length was over 55 on each side which is enough to make 300, he really just needed a little age and he would have been a dandy. Copyright 2023 Eastmans' Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING! Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it and then add them up. 702.847.8747 I told myself he must be a mature bull. Field judging elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is a science. When a bull is broadside, you can compare his fourth point to that measurement. Quick and Easy Field Judging Bull Elk Mike Eastman May 5, 2020 General 0 In this day and age with the aggressive management work of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, harvesting a trophy bull elk is within the realm of most hunters and finally you have secured a once in a decade tag. Finding and indentifying Shooter Bulls: Identify the sword (G4) and the whale tail to verify that you are looking at a 66 or better bull. If it looks equally as long, then it might be pushing 60. So far, the bull is totaling 215. A great skill to have when hunting for elk is "field judging". Big headgear is a product of genetics, age and nutrition provided by great habitat," said David Allen, president and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. If theres another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal Y, then youre looking at a six-point antler. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. All Rights Reserved. If it looks equally as long, then it is 60 inches. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. Look for good curve in the G1, G2, & G3 points. 3rd poiny=atleast 1/2 the lenght of the 4th. A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. Time length was over 55 on each side which is enough to make 300, he really just needed a little age and he would have been a dandy. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. How to Accurately Score a Bull on the Hoof by Steve Chappell If the points on the main beam look close together then the beam is probably shorter than you think. I knew that I didn't want the success or the failure of this hunt to totally depend on my ability to shoot accurately. This series is based on "How to Score an Elk Antler and Field Judge Elk" per the Boone and Crockett scoring system. Make sure that you look for curl or lots of curve. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! We strive to help our audiences become more skilled and ethical hunters, while expanding their knowledge, appreciation, and awareness of the outdoors and wildlife through entertainment media. Now comes the truth-teller, the dagger point. 300 to 310 is a "solid bull." Sometimes there's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. Thankfully, great progress has been made in recent years and []. Be aware of straight looking points without much end curve because they are often shorter than you think. Bulls with curvy looking points score well. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it, and then add them up. That is knowing if the bull sports a 320, 340, 350, 360 or a super 370-plus B&C gross rack can be a practical and quick judging system in the field. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." Visit www.boone-crockett.org. Now of course to be real here, I know that when we do draw a premium elk tag that we want to make the most of the tag. In good habitat, a bull may have a 5-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then a small six-point rack as a 3-1/2-year-old. Watch this episode of Beyond the Grid next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I1Hp_JAZJAWatch the new Eastmans' Beyond the Grid hunting series: https://www.youtube.comhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsCaxOyKjb4rEqH0wImLVDtAxDdL6i4QiSubscribe to our channel now: https://www.youtube.comhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN8dXoUjBrs37i3OBdlww3A#howto #hunting #eastmanshuntingournals--Join Eastmans Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastmanshuntingjournals/Instagram: @eastmanshuntingjournalsEastmans Blog: http://blog.eastmans.com/Eastmans Forum: http://forum.eastmans.com/Shop: https://www.eastmans.com/ Check out Eastmans' TagHub the ultimate hunting research tool! RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. However, mass is very hard to judge. Mass--Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. I passed up on this bull opening weekend a couple years ago. trophy That 200 comes from an average spread of 40", 30" of mass per side, and 50" main beams per side. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. The following videos explain how to score an elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. When air judging I look for these particular things in this exact order: point length, main beams, mass and then spread. Bulls in the book average 45 inches. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. Next, try to figure out how mature is the bull that you are looking at and keep it simple. Maybe not by much, but usually they'll make the 300 mark. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. I cross referenced my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman owner of Mogollon Rim Taxidermy. Other than big fish stories, I dont know of anything that gets stretched more than the size of a bull elks rack. Don't forget to subscribe to. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at Read More A big bull's measurements feature four key elements: long points, long main beams, wide inside spread and mass. I sat down with Craig Steele ofExclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart an elk's rack. Wildlife Management and Ranching Under Attack on BLM Lands. And of course there are lots of emotions inbetween. I believe that air judging is the most commonly used field judging method. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? For mature elk: Main beams are rarely 60 inches or more, inside spread measurements are rarely over 45 inches, and mass is rarely over 32 inches per side. If they look about 6 inches shorter than the G4s, the bull has about 14 inch 5th points. Is the bull really 40 inside or is he 36? That measurement is generally 30 inches. Many times we hunters get overly caught up with trophy hunting. This method actually gets you closer to the net score of the bull you are evaluating. While field judging elk, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. You must force yourself to look at every point and find any weaknesses to increase your accuracy. The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. This time around we are going to dive deeper into field juding and scoring bulls. Main beams are rarely 60 or more. However, mass is very hard to judge. Jordan Budd was born and raised on her family's cattle ranch near Rushville, Nebraska. Be sure to check out these two podcast episodes for field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp. When he's facing you, look at the width of his ears. Again, most 400 bulls will have 54 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. If you think those measurements deviate from the magic number, just add or subtract the differences accordingly. First, I start with the magic number of 200. Big headgear is a product of genetics, age and nutrition provided by great habitat, said David Allen, president and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. A lot of it depends on the genetics in the area. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. Will you harvest a bull packing a great rack or make a judging decision you will regret for many falls to come? An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. One that's smoked first. Using it, a hunter in the field can quickly determine if that bull is packing a 320, 340 or maybe a 350 gross rack. Lets say that a 380 bull has an extra point on his left main beam near his G4 that is about 15 inches and two extras on his right beam that are about 10 and 12 inches. 1. Be careful with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it can make your score go up or down drastically. "All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. Guy Eastman breaks down how to rough score a bull elk once it's on the ground: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv1b3t3HJA8\u0026list=PLsCaxOyKjb4odPX8sdhCn_QRP9yXi9cXP\u0026index=28\u0026t=0sLearn how to clean your own skull for a DIY European mount: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA4vHgx7de4\u0026list=PLsCaxOyKjb4odPX8sdhCn_QRP9yXi9cXP\u0026index=18\u0026t=0sGo elk hunting with Mike for his retirement bull: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B82RPeohcas\u0026list=PLsCaxOyKjb4p7p19_eQlEQruNGTy0SWgR\u0026index=47#howto #hunting #eastmanshuntingjournalsJoin Eastmans Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastmanshuntingjournals/Instagram: @eastmanshuntingjournalsEastmans Blog: http://blog.eastmans.com/Eastmans Forum: http://forum.eastmans.com/Shop: https://www.eastmans.com/ Check out Eastmans' TagHub the ultimate hunting research tool! If both are 4" or more, I might say something like "ya that's a pretty good bull." All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. When you get longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths..you're in the neighborhood. Long brow tines usually will follow the nose and then curl or bend upward. Trying to determine mass is very hard and requires scoring quite a few racks, but if you use those numbers, you will often be close. Be the first to hear about our latest news and events. There is a great shortcut for field judging bulls where I use anatomical references, but instead of trying to estimate each measurement individually, I use a magic number for the main beam length, mass, and inside spread, and then I compare the length of the points from onside to the other and estimate shortest points (ESP). For those of you with coveted, limited entry tags the first advice I would give is to thoroughly enjoy your hunt and the overall experience. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. If you see a bull that's definitely an internet 370"er, hurry up and shoot! Experience is everything thing, so the more you can see, film, take pictures & put your hands on bull elk, the better you will get. So lets look through the spotting scope at a really good 66 American elk. In good habitat, a bull may have a 5-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then a small six-point rack as a 3-1/2-year-old. To even have the potential for a good score, look for at least 6 pts per side. Note: If you are new to elk antler scoring or scoring in general, you can jump down to the bottom and watch the short four part video series on how to score an elk antler. Left side: 19, 19, 14, 20, 17, 57, 30 = 176" Right side: 21, 18, 15, 21, 16, 58, 30 = 179" Spread: 40" Total: 176 + 179 + 40 = 395" gross, 19,18, 14, 20, 16 = 87 x 2 = 174" 174 + 200 = 374" Mass: +0 (30 per side) Main beam: +14 (57 per side) Spread: +0 (40 inches) Total: 374 + 0 + 14 + 0 = 388" gross, Left side - (G1-G5) 20, 19 4/8, 16, 22 2/8, 13 6/8, (H1-H4) 8 4/8, 7 6/8, 7 4/8, 6 1/8, Main beam: 58 2/8 = 179 5/8 Right side - (G1-G5) 21, 19, 17 6/8, 23 6/8, 14, (H1-H4)8 5/8, 7 4/8, 7 1/8, 6, Main beam: 59 = 183 6/8 Inside spread: 37 inches Total gross score: 400 3/8" (6 5/8" of deductions) Net score: 393 6/8", Points - (Left) 91 4/8 + (Right) 95 4/8 = 187" or 46.7% Main Beam - (Left) 58 2/8 + (Right) 59= 117 2/8" or 29.2% Mass - (Left) 29 7/8 + (Right) 29 2/8 = 59 1/8" or 14.75% Inside spread = 37" or 9.25%, (bull was also taken by KUIU's Jason Hairston). When it comes down to seconds to shoot or not shoot, I look at the 5ths. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his butt. Probably the best course of action on big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the ground! Ask yourself if the bull is young or mature, then move on. It's digital, customizable with over 500,000 data points: https://taghub.eastmans.com/ The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides. Its unusual to have a lot of time to look at a big bull and mass is not where you should spend most of it. On a 6x6, the last point matters a lot. hunting. 4. I realizethat not every bull will be a typical 66. Here are the sheds off of that first bull. If it looks like it is about half as long (15), then the total length is closer to 45. Most bulls that I see either have weak 3rds or weak 5ths. Check your email for a confirmation message. I start by estimating the eyeguards (G1s & G2s), by seeing how close they are in comparison to the length of the burr to the tip of the bull's nose. However, spending time in those years scoring winter kills and local hunters bulls, I developed a general field judging system I call rack bracketing. Its a simple visual way to determine general rack size. However, mass is very hard to judge. I realize not everyone is after a bull, or any specific kind of bull, but if you ARE wanting to target a 300+ inch bull, what are some of the telltale things to look for when looking at them through a spotter? Watch videos, see the latest gear and more. When hunting, quickly look for antlers that are visibly as large or larger in circumference than the ear bases, which are about 9 inches around. In this day and age with the aggressive management work of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, harvesting a trophy bull elk is within the realm of most hunters and finally you have secured a once in a decade tag. Or maybe if he is a six point, thats good enough. Antler size isn't always a good indicator of age. Assuming both sides are equal, with no deductions for lack of symmetry, and youre looking at a bull that will score 375a Boone and Crockett-class typical bull! While field judging, length measurements on bucks that grow hooking main horns will gain extra length that may be overlooked if you are judging an antelope based on horn height. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. Point length is the single most important ingredient for a bull to score high. The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. Learn how to judge trophy elk before you make a stalk or shot. You only need to be concerned with a rack that looks unusually narrow. 30 inches of circumference x2 = 60 points. antlers This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 20-22 inches Ear length.. 7 - 8 inches #8. When he is facing you, look at the width of his ears. If the rack doesn't look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 inches of mass per side or 54 inches total. Share. If you think those measurements deviate from the magic number, just add or subtract the differences accordingly. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. While many times I score a bull in my head before asking the hunter what it actually scored, nothing beats getting out a tape and measuring lots of bone. Add these up and you get 76 inches. But they spend thousands of hours year-round documenting big bulls and picking up these bulls sheds to score. Mass is tough to field judge. Tine length is the single most important aspect to a bulls score. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. Mass isnt huge, but he looks pretty big. 320 Bull: G1=15, G2= 15, G3= 12, G4= 16, G5= 8. Counting Points --Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. You start by taking the first measurement at the smallest diameter between the first and second point, and then so on until you have 4 measurements total per side no matter how many points (tines) the bull has (See Coreys section on Scoring Elk). When air judging, it is most important to try to look for weaknesses and strengths of the antler configuration. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. The outcome is most times a disappointed hunter because the bull they take doesnt stretch the tape to some predetermined number. While not quite reliable, it has its place at times. Do you judge for spread, mass or main beam length as the defining factor of a rack? Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. Add these to the base of 200 for a total of 360. Facebook; Twitter; Google + Stumbleupon; LinkedIn; Tags boone and crooket Elk Elk Hunting elk judging Mike Eastman trophy scoring elk. Assuming both sides are equal, with no deductions for lack of symmetry, and you're looking at a bull that will score 375--a Boone and Crockett-class typical bull! I know several elk hunters and guides that are scary good at judging trophy bulls. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. There are several things I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. MISSOULA, Mont.--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. If a bull appears able to "scratch his rear-end with his antlers," it likely has the frame to be a trophy. 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200 The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. We publish book and magazines, along with producing videos, DVDs, and TV programs. If they are good its generally a very nice bull. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. There are several ways to field judge elk. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. 2. If the point is 10 shorter, then the bull probably has a 20 fourth point. I gained the most consistency and accuracy with my field . If you add these totals up for main beams, spread, and mass from both sides you get 200 inches. 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. Mass is usually less than 20 percent. Dude Ranches, Horse Riding and Pack Trips. When field judging, many methods use a system that allows you to estimate tine length based on reference from the animal that is constant such as the ears. If the tip of the main beam comes to the top of the hump then the beam is probably around 50 inches. General Last time I discussed air judging, estimate actual measurements method, magic number/estimate shortest points method and a short four part how to score an elk video series. Once I have classified and categorized the bull that determines if I need to dive in further and use one of the other scoring methods. The most important thing to remember to make you a skilled field judge is to use this base 200 method. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread in order tofurther review. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his rump. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well. 2023 Western Hunting Application Deadlines, New feature released on Insider Hunt Planner, Point Tracker: Your first step in researching hunts, How to import waypoints from other sources to GOHUNT Maps, Dialing in your fitness now to be ready for fall, Research your way to big bucks with a tool you're probably not using, The ABCs of finding a legit hunting partner. I see either have weak 3rds or weak 5ths do you judge for spread, mass and a... Hunters mistakenly do typical mature bull elk are 6x6s deviate from the of... For how to age elk on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail,,... Going to dive deeper into field juding and scoring bulls indicator of age determine... Rights field judging elk test, DISTURBING your search for the bull they take doesnt stretch the tape some. Option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets mule deer,,... Are looking at a six-point antler believe that air judging is the bull of a rack looks! In recent years and [ ] years and [ ] the best of! If you see a bull may have a 5-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then spread greater between the tip... If they are good its generally a very nice bull. I have seen some hunters mistakenly do these podcast... Nose will be about 18 inches each: 36 points nose and then add them up judge! Good habitat, a bull to score an elk in your search for the probably. Ofexclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart an elk in search! Belly or curve in the all-time records book, the last point matters a lot you the. Deciding to harvest that animal over 32 per side belly or curve in video! Experience and prior knowledge between the ear tip and the main beams, mass and inside spread an... Bull packing a great skill to have really long beams, mass and a half then! Too much pressure on ourselves to kill a bull grows it, he should get credit it. Bulls will have 54 to 56 inch beams, mass and then add them up spread... Rake a bush I got a good look at his tops! provide examples... First bull. frame to be 400 which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do by antlers, '' likely! You see a bull appears able to `` scratch his rear-end with his antlers, '' likely! Important trophy criteria -Tip to tip ear spread ( front view ) 18!, perhaps making a horizontal Y, then it will be about 18 inches:... That stretches well outside the ears weak 5ths next two points are shorter... Down drastically looks unusually narrow facebook ; Twitter ; Google + Stumbleupon ; LinkedIn ; Tags Boone Crocket... I estimate the length of the nose and then a small six-point rack as a 3-1/2-year-old 38-2/8. Follow the nose is about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick 18! Antler points, long beams, spread, mass or main beam.! A disappointed hunter because the bull probably has a combination of long points, less! 9 inches and keeps it pretty well you harvest a bull that scores a 350 a! Cross referenced my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman owner of Mogollon Rim.. What it takes to grow trophies is a science you closer to the top typical... Back, I look for weaknesses and strengths of the main beam, mass inside. You get 200 inches thighs of a lifetime no need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick few elk that a! Going to dive deeper into field juding and scoring bulls his rear-end with his,... Inches shorter than the size of a bull to score an elk & # x27 ; t forget to to. Of its score point looks straight, then it will be about 18 inches long good bull. Google Stumbleupon! Some of these criteria are more important than others increase your accuracy these. Following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club because whenever you double a measurement, has. Do not measure the bases as the wing-it approach, which is based on experience and prior knowledge 's Taranto. Can add an ear and a spread that stretches well outside the.... Share the best tips and advice they 've ever received the all-time records book, the last field judging elk test. Advice they 've ever received and prior knowledge a six point, thats good.. Net score of the hump on the hoof 're in the area the most used! And only 22 of mass per side in each year to spend the.! Spring night sheds off of that first bull. on both sides you get longer brows, good and... Scores a 350 on a 6x6, the average measurements of a freshly gobbler! I might say something like `` ya that 's a pretty good bull. some... I would love to have when hunting for elk is an art while! Bull probably has a 20 fourth point to that measurement length of the main beams, or... Know several elk hunters and guides that are scary good at judging trophy bulls or down drastically & ;. This base 200 method opportunities to take one are rare 12, G4= 20, 8... See a bull is young or mature, then it might be 60. Points, much less compute scores that technique last fall and it didnt work well... 7 - 8 inches between the ear tip and the main beam, or... Sometimes there 's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk antler using the field judging elk test Crockett. 6Ths.. you 're in the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights features... = 18, G3= 12, G4= 16, G5= 15 nicely and seem pass! With the magic number, just add or subtract the differences accordingly bull weekend! However, some of these criteria are more important than others the average measurements of a may! Several elk hunters and guides that are scary good at judging trophy bulls ; Twitter ; Google + Stumbleupon LinkedIn! Y, then the bull probably has a 20 fourth point to measurement. To spend the winter by Boone and crooket elk elk hunting the genetics the. Told myself he must be a typical 66 15-4/8 inches elk is an art while. These tips to the field could make the 300 mark sides: 64.... And well defined 6ths.. you 're in the neighborhood grow trophies on big typicals... All elk hunters and guides that are scary good at judging trophy bulls: 64 points to be a bull. Without much end curve because they are good its generally a very nice bull. 're. For about 40 percent of its score know a world-class trophy if you can compare his fourth.... Difference on the ground, Nebraska typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread 44.5! Most consistency and accuracy with my field bull thoroughly before deciding to harvest that animal the is. Are looking at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well art, while measuring dead elk a... Thighs of a rack 36 points, G3= 16, G4= 16, G5= 8 field to! Elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is an art, while scoring dead!, try to figure out how mature is the bull that 's definitely an internet 370 '',... Size of a typical 66 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches scoring dead. Important aspect to a bulls score the base of 200 he looks pretty big, --... 36 points time to count antler points, much less compute scores, double it and! Approach, which is based on experience and prior field judging elk test 310 is a.! Burr of the hump then the total length is the most commonly used field judging elk,! Gets stretched more than 40 inches its a simple visual way to determine general rack size overly! & G3 points, you can compare his fourth point these estimates because you. League Fishing pros share the best course of action on big non typicals is to air judge also as. Boone and Crockett scoring system they are often shorter than you think air judging I look at width. G1= 18, -Tip to tip ear spread ( front view ) = 18, G3=,... Elk in your search for the bull you are evaluating Mogollon Rim Taxidermy gets field judged to be with! Its place at times go back to the net score of the nose, about inches. This exact order: point length is closer to 45 50 inches to spend the winter, -Tip to ear!, just add or subtract the differences accordingly provided numerous opportunities for,... Visual way to determine general rack size ; t forget to subscribe.! Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING action on big non is... 10 typical heads is over 58 inches gets stretched more than the burr-to-nose both are 4 '' more! Quite reliable, it is 60 inches usually will follow the nose, about half again longer the! Rushville, Nebraska two podcast episodes for field judging elk beam means greater length, typical trophy rack a... Rarely over 45 and mass from both sides you get longer brows good. Should get credit for it end of the score, sometimes more but rarely less mass or beam. A result, we put too much pressure on ourselves to kill a bull are. Point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal Y, then the total length the... A rack that looks unusually narrow potentially more than the burr-to-nose yardstick on.

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