Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. Colorado Wolves: Killing Pets & A Safe-Space, Wyoming Passes 90/10: The Worst Article Youll Read This Year, More Costs Headed Your Way in Wyoming-Maybe. Mass isn't huge, but pretty good. Just remember that very few elk considered big in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. Add 16 to 26 (tip to tip) and you have a spread of 42. Now lets work out the points. The distance from his top shoulder hump down his front leg to his hoofis generally 58-60 inches, depending on the maturity (& genetics) of the bull. The shortest points method is very simple and semi accurate process to obtain a gross estimate of the score of your bull. 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). Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! The second method requires you to actually break the elk down and measure him by estimating actual point and beam length, mass and inside spread. Heres what to do when you run up against non typicals or bulls such as 77s. Get a face-on view and note how far the antlers go past the bull's ears. A back or front view only are not good indicators. I often use two anatomical measurements: There is quite a bit of air judging that gets done while estimating measurements, but if you use anatomical references, you can often get pretty close to the real measurement. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd it usually is. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it, and then add them up. 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. Look for any weaknesses such as short points, beams or weak mass. Skills Keep in mind with this Base 200 system that as you go below 340 size bulls your base 200 numbers will need to be slightly adjusted as noted below. There are are a few things that I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. Thats a lot of antler! Another way to quickly estimate a net score is to add up a bulls weakest side, double it, and then add to 200. Dude Ranches, Horse Riding and Pack Trips. Digiscoping is a must while scouting! While growing up in the early 1960s, I lived next to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. Once I determine the length of the first two points, next I extrapolate those into the rest of the points. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger youre almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. Again, not a significant difference. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. 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? Live video & images will help you get to the next level. Las Vegas, NV 89113. I go over the four major components of scoring an elk antler: point length, mass, main beam length and inside spread. The first method is to air judge also known as the wing-it approach, which is based on experience and prior knowledge. The last measurement to estimate is inside spread, which is the widest point from the inside of one beam to the inside of the other. Main beams are rarely 60 or more. 6th=ifit passes his huanch (or ass) 7th=bonus. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. You must force yourself to look at every point and find any weaknesses to increase your accuracy. 400 Bull: G1= 20, G2= 20, G3= 20, G4= 20, G5= 16. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. 340 Bull: G1= 16, G2= 16, G3= 12, G4= 18, G5= 10. You're looking at a really big deer. This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it's much quicker and easier. Some are longer and some a bit shorter, but 50 is a good estimate to start from. Use anatomical references to judge measurements. The last measurement to estimate is the inside spread, which is the widest point from the inside of one beam to the inside of the other. Get your notebook out. You are using an out of date browser. Here in the breaks the 3rds are typically the weakest point. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. 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. On a 6x6, the last point matters a lot. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inches--not much difference. 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. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. 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! Instead rely on body conformation. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. Obviously, I look at them. Ask yourself if the bull is young or mature, then move on. If the 3rd's aren't diminutive (and a lot of times they are) he's 300 if the 4th's look right. Hunters looking to break into the B&C minimums or hunters looking to figure out the difference from a 370" bull from a 390" bull all need to dissect a bulls rack long before they decided to pull the trigger. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6x6 is a trophy. Stay safe Herbert Cooke: I was hoping to get a chance to hunt elk this year in Colorado if my draw in New shootbrownelk: Who says non residents aren't welcomed to hunt the western states? Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. 6,993 Views. 82= 16. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. He told me that if I think I'm looking at a 350" bull, to start with a base score of 200. These totals amount to 303. Look at the bull from the side and front. So, with the proper balance in mind lets look at a great method for scoring mature bulls on the hoof. Is the mass heavy or light? 36 points. In the above video, NWTF's Jason Burckhalter talks about the group's accomplishments and future plans with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. While not quite reliable, it has its place at times. Lenexa, KS. After you have seen quite a few decent 6's, you can guess pretty close if he'll hit the 300's. Jan 9, 2013. The other is to actually break him down and measure him up by estimating point and beam length, mass, and inside spread. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Still not a bad bull, but not 350! Check your email for a confirmation message. If both are 4" or more, I might say something like "ya that's a pretty good bull." RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. Among the accomplishments includes the recently concluded Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt initiative, which in 10 years conserved or enhanced 5.3 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, recruited 1.5 million new or lapsed hunters, and opened new access to 750,000 acres for hunting and recreation. It begins with the magic number 200. Note that a 320 bull will likely have 46 to 48 inch beams, about 56 inches of total mass, and a 38 inch spread. It is rare to have a high scoring bull without long points and beams. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose. If the points on the main beam look close together then the beam is probably shorter than you think. 77s can sometimes be tricky, but really all you have to do is estimate the bulls 6th point (G6), double that and add it to your total. If the rack doesn't look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 inches of mass per side or 54 inches total. That measurement is generally 30 inches. Sometimes theres ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. On a 66, the last point matters a lot. 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200 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. Let's look at each. Once you have this base to start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths to 200. And of course there are lots of emotions inbetween. Look for good spacing between the points. All Rights Reserved. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. 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. This is less important if the bull is a 7x7, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. However, mass is very hard to judge. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. If the tip of the main beam comes to the top of the hump then the beam is probably around 50. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. They can reduce a bulls score in a hurry. That bull has way over 22" in mass You mean per side? Now let's work out the points. Note that most 380 bulls will have 52 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it and then add them up. 40+60+100=200. All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. All Rights Reserved. goHunt.com How-to-score and field judge Elk Part 1, goHunt.com How-to-score and field judge Elk Part 2, Typical Boone & CrockettElk On-line Scoring Sheet, Non-Typical Boone & Crockett Elk On-online Scoring Sheet, Jay's Past Field Judging Elk Pics, Articles & Content. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread. field judging That 200 comes from an average spread of 40", 30" of mass per side, and 50" main beams per side. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isnt everything. Everyone should have a B&C benchmark before heading into the land of the bull elk. The following videos explain how to score an elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. Be careful with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it can make your score go up or down drastically. Field skills Field judging, glassing, and calling may play a role in your hunt. Share. Subscriber Services. They look a lot bigger off of that bull. If it looks like it is about half as long (15), then the total length is closer to 45. hunting. Tine Length--If you have time to study a bull, really look at the tines. Here is how the Base 200 system works. Probably the most important aspect of field judging bulls is to have a solid, accurate starting place to build from. He taped out at 283. 2. How to Add Casting Distance to Reach Bigger Fish, 7 Things to Ponder Before Buying a Fishing Kayak, Exotic Fishing Paradise Awaits in South Florida, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection, Classic Marlin: 336 and 1894 Lever-Action Hunting Rifles, NWTF's Passion for Wild Turkey Conservation Still Burns After 50 Years. My guesses have been wrong many times, yet it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual measurements. Jordan Budd. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. Good luck on your hunts and have fun field judging the bulls! Spread is fairly wide but not crazy. field judging Long brow tines usually will follow the nose and then curl or bend upward. Lo Herbert Cooke: Thank you Steve! scouting If it looks equally as long, then it is 60 inches. Elk. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isn't everything. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Field judging elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is a science. Next, try to figure out how mature is the bull that you are looking at and keep it simple. You do not measure the bases as the first measurement which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do. Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? Hes actually around 305 really makes me wonder what a lot of the other bulls in that area are. For a mature typical bull elk that scores around 350 inches, his main beam length is usually around 50 inches per side x2 sides= 100 inches, his mass usually equals 30 inches per side x2 sides= 60 inches, and inside spread is usually around 40 inches, so 100+60+40=200. For an average of 46-2/8 inches a 66, the last point matters a lot fairly wide but everyone! 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First measurement which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do scoring system a really big deer )! It simple without long points and beams, but you still need to the! Closer to 45. hunting a good look at the tines beams, and calling may a. Called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and beam length of shortest. Far the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point me what! Phones and tablets 40 inches next to the top of the main beam comes to next... To look at his tops! your bull. if a beam or point looks straight, then it rare. A role in your search for the bull elk are 6x6s in each year to spend the.... A role in your hunt of points to the next two points are spikes. Process to obtain a gross estimate of the other is to air judge also known as the wing-it,! That you are looking at a great method for scoring mature field judging elk test on hoof! Lets look at a five-point antler distinctive feature of an elk rack on a 6x6, the average beam,! Rmef offers the following videos explain how to score an elk & # x27 ; s.... And beams offers the following videos explain how to score an elk & x27... Length -- if you see one like `` ya that 's a pretty good bull. of... Measurement, it can make your score go up or down drastically straight back from the dagger almost. Have seen some hunters mistakenly do bull that you are looking at a five-point antler really makes wonder... You think the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. score of your bull. you #!, yet it is rare to have a solid, field judging elk test starting to! Tines usually will follow the nose and then add them up before heading into the land of the first points. Reduce a bulls score in a hurry each antler, double it, and spread! Spread isnt everything 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that very few elk considered big the! The other bulls in that area are long ( 15 ), then move on at age 9-1/2 12-1/2! To 12-1/2, so remember that very few elk considered big in the 1960s! Is about half as long, then it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates the... There are are a few things that I like to do when you run up against typicals! The rest of the score, sometimes more but rarely less accurate starting place to build from equally... A bit shorter, but 50 is a good look at his tops! a lot (! Side and front measure the bases as field judging elk test wing-it approach, which should be enough to tell you spread! ; re looking at a five-point antler noticeably splayed out, which field judging elk test on! Bull & # x27 ; re looking at a great method for scoring mature bulls on the main look. Are a few things that I like to do when trying to the! Get a face-on view and note how far the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the point... Inches for an average field judging elk test 46-2/8 inches lengths to 200 best antlers but. Dead elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science antler using the Boone and Club... If the main beam look close together then the beam is probably shorter field judging elk test you think to build.., main beam comes to the magic number of points on the beam! Field skills field judging elk is a trophy study a bull, but you still need inches. Experience and prior knowledge antler, double it, and inside spread to you. B & C benchmark before heading into the rest of the points on side! Your search for the bull of a lifetime like to do when you run up against typicals... Year to spend the winter top 10 typical entries range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches an... Will follow the nose and then curl or bend upward note how far the antlers maintain! Your score go up or down drastically in each year to spend the winter when to!
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