Keep in mind that on 66s you dont add the extension of the main beam past the bulls G5 as a sixth point. Probably the most important aspect of field judging bulls is to have a solid, accurate starting place to build from. The most important thing to remember to make you a skilled field judge is to use this base 200 method. I highly recommend dissecting a bull thoroughly before deciding to harvest that animal. Having always rifle hunted, during high school she bought a bow and taught herself archery and every since has been hooked. During my high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk. Lets look at each. 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. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. I know several elk hunters and guides that are scary good at judging trophy bulls. It's unusual to have a lot of time to look at a big bull and mass is not where you should spend most of it. For mature elk: Main beams usually around 50, Inside spread usually 37, Mass usually 27. I hope these scoring methods and tips will come in handy when trying to field judge your trophy bull, but remember: it is more important to measure your hunt success by the memories and quality experience gained than by the size of the antlers you bring home. -Body girth through the shoulders (front view) = 18, -Tip to tip ear spread (front view) = 26. If the rack does not look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 of mass per side or 54 total. I gain the most consistency and accuracy with my field judging by actually scoring lots of antlers and, with each one, I gain more confidence. 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. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. scoring If you see a bull that's definitely an internet 370"er, hurry up and shoot! trophy Most of us cant devote that much time to studying or scoring bull elk. Determining the four mass measurements per side is usually difficult, but there is a way to do it. Trying to determine mass is very hard and requires scoring a lot of racks, but if you use those number you will often be close. Mike Eastman Is the main beam really 50 or is it 53 inches? If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger you're almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. 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. On a typical 7x7, the point measurement is going to go up dramatically. MassMost really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. But seriously, the way to judge them is to score their frame and points just like you would a typical 66, then size up the non typical points and add that to your total. As you prepare for your hunt, do not discount the importance of honing these skills. This is less important if the bull is a 77, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. These totals amount to right at 320. 4th (sword point)=double the length of the eyegaurd. Good luck on your hunts and have fun field judging the bulls! 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). Digiscoping is a must while scouting! Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting.Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more deer hunting videos! 2. The tip-to-tip ear spread is usually 26 inches. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches x2 = 16 points. Keep in mind that with the Pope & Young and Boone & Crockett scoring systems (which are identical) you only measure 4 mass measurements along the main beam. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. 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. | The main beam length from burr to fourth point is usually around 30. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. 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. Eye guards=as long as the forehead to nose tip. Most big mature bulls will have main beams close to 50 inches long. There are are a few things that I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. A big bull's measurements feature four key elements: long points, long main beams, wide inside spread and mass. We publish book and magazines, along with producing videos, DVDs, and TV programs. I passed up on this bull opening weekend a couple years ago. 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. Below is a chart that you should try to remember. I equate the adjectives I use to describe the bull into scored. Inside SpreadBoone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. You must always have two views. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. If it looks like it is about half as long (15), then the total length is closer to 45. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Probably the best course of action on big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the ground! On a mature bull, that measurement is usually 15 to 16. So lets look through the spotting scope at a really good 66 American elk. RE: field judging elk. Jay Scott Outdoors If the point is 10 shorter, then the bull probably has a 20 fourth point. Look for any weaknesses or broken/missing points as they can affect the score dramatically. 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! This series is based on "How to Score an Elk Antler and Field Judge Elk" per the Boone and Crockett scoring system. This equates to extra inches since point lengths are measured along the outside curve. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd it usually is. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger youre almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. If the tip of the main beam comes to the top of the hump then the beam is probably around 50. 40+60+100=200. Tine length is the single most important aspect to a bulls score. Now that weve got our solid base score of 200 to start with lets see what the average breakdown is for most bulls from 300 to 400. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. When a bull is broadside you can compare his 4th points (G4s) to that measurement. Check your email for a confirmation message. This year, the rifle will be chambered in 7mm PRC, the hot new load that was a hit at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. 45 inches of inside spread = 45 points. 320 Bull: G1=15, G2= 15, G3= 12, G4= 16, G5= 8. Usually your first impression of a bull is pretty honest and accurate. Main beams and tines will add up quickly on the score sheet. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a holding company engaged in publishing. Here is video #1 -. Field Judging Rules to Identify a PY Bull Elk 1. If you add these totals up for main beams, spread, and mass from both sides you get 200 inches. Mass is usually less than 20 percent. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. Mass - Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. Still not a bad bull, but not 350! I knew that I didn't want the success or the failure of this hunt to totally depend on my ability to shoot accurately. For a typical American elk, Boone and Crockett requires a minimum of 360 points to enter the Awards Book, and 375 points for entry into the All-time Records Book. Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. Point length is the single most important ingredient for a bull to score high. MISSOULA, Mont.--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. Long brow tines usually will follow the nose and then curl or bend upward. To even have the potential for a good score, look for at least 6 pts per side. That bull has way over 22" in mass You mean per side? 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. 3rd poiny=atleast 1/2 the lenght of the 4th. Look for good spacing between the points. Check back next week when I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging elk. Thankfully, great progress has been made in recent years and []. You'll have a nice 312" bull to pack out. The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. The bull must have at least five points on each antler to make the book and six points will greatly increase your odds. Do your best not to over estimate your shortest points. Multiply by 2 and you have 152. 30 inches of circumference x2 = 60 points. If the tip of the main beam comes to the top of the hump then the beam is probably around 50 inches. 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. If I say "holy f*** s***" he's 370. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. These totals amount to 303. Some bulls may vary from this, but these are very realistic of what you will see on mature 66 bulls. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread. I go over the four major components of scoring an elk antler: point length, mass, main beam length and inside spread. 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. Share. Field Judging Elk For this Feature, we've tapped the eagle eyes of Steve Chappell, one of the best field judging experts in the elk hunting world, producer of the Extreme Bulls video series and owner of Chappell Guide Service. Tipsy Tuesday: Elk Film, Gear, News, & More. Next, try to figure out how mature is the bull that you are looking at and keep it simple. #8. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? This is meant to be used as a fun tool to help you sharpen your elk antler scoring skills. 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. The following videos explain how to score an elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! But not always. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. There are several ways to field judge elk: one is to "air judge" and the other is to actually estimate each measurement; mass, inside spread, point & main beam length. Just remember that very few elk considered "big" in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. When a bull is broadside, you can compare his fourth point to that measurement. So, with the proper balance in mind lets look at a great method for scoring mature bulls on the hoof. If it looks like it is about half as long (15 inches), then the total length is 45 inches. On a 6x6, the last point matters a lot. Ill not divulge who wrote it . However, mass is very hard to judge. Example: You estimate 8 inches between the ear tip and the widest point of the main beam. First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. Another anatomical measurement that can be used when determining point length is the distance from the top of the back to the bottom of belly. Way to keep chasing your dreams! Most of us would rather not shoot a rag horn on our limited entry hunt that we appliedover a decade for, right?! Using it, a hunter in the field can quickly determine if that bull is packing a 320, 340 or maybe a 350 gross rack. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." 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. 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. However, mass is very hard to judge. He taped out at 283. Elk rack up a majority of their inches in tine length. I feel that if you can estimate a bull on the hoof within 10 inches, you are a good field judge. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Just remember that very few elk that look "big" have thin antlers. Long eyeguards will follow the nose and then curl or bend upwards (look for at least 4 inches of curl for a 20 inch eyeguard). 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. Let's look at each. One that's smoked first. Do your best not to overestimate your shortest points. Colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion, Wife's first elk - open country muzzleloader. On a 66, the last point matters a lot. New member. Any bull that has a solid 200 inch base and no visible weaknesses is usually a 340 or better bull using this system. Field judging elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is a science. I sat down with Craig Steele ofExclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart an elk's rack. They can reduce a bulls score in a hurry. I realizethat not every bull will be a typical 66. When he is facing you, look at the width of his ears. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. 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. Learn how to judge trophy elk before you make a stalk or shot. General Counting Points --Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. Add these up and you get 76 inches. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy mule deer hunting. First, I will start with the magic number of 200. The inside spread must be 30" or greater between the main beams. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. I think if a bull grows it, he should get credit for it. All Rights Reserved. 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. 3rds and 6ths tell a bunch. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. The distance from ear tip to ear tip (21 to 22); and. 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. A great skill to have when hunting for elk is "field judging". 82= 16. This method actually gets you closer to the net score of the bull you are evaluating. Jay Scott Outdoors You're looking at a really big deer. When a big bull is bugling and rutting, elk fever always seems to add a few inches to an estimated score. Skills 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. Make sure that you compare that to the length of the main beam from the fourth point to tip of the beam. If the points look close together, the beams are probably not as long as you think. He told me that if I think I'm looking at a 350" bull, to start with a base score of 200. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6x6 is a trophy. Skills Be sure to check out these two podcast episodes for field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. With the draw results out in the western states there are many hunters celebrating their good fortune in the draw. 20-22 inches Ear length.. 7 - 8 inches Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. I told myself he must be a mature 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. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it's much quicker and easier. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. When air judging I look for these particular things in this exact order: point length, main beams, mass and then spread. The shortest points method is very simple and semi accurate process to obtain a gross estimate of the score of your bull. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Other than that YouTube is helpful, really like Jay Scott's videos. Mass isn't huge, but pretty good. Get your notebook out. 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! So far, the bull is totaling 215. 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! I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. Let's start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. While air judging I am trying to place the bull in a category of 275-300, 300-325, 325-350, 350-375, and 375-400. I was told by a very expirenced elk hunter about field judging bulls on the hoof. Its very easy to stare at great fronts or a big whale tail and miss those 6 third points! It is rare to have a high scoring bull without long points and beams. While growing up in the early 1960s, I lived next to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Tips for Field Judging Elk Tips for Field Judging Elk February 25, 2013 MISSOULA, Mont .--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. Start with 16 G1s and G2s, 12 G3s, 20 G4s, and 12 G5s. The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. If a bull appears able to "scratch his rear-end with his antlers," it likely has the frame to be a trophy. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. Add 16 to 26 (tip to tip) and you have a spread of 42. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inches--not much difference. Lastly, go back and read the first paragraph of this article and take it to heart. Notice that 6 thirds would make a 350 type bull that should have 12 or better thirds, a 338 bull. Obviously, I look at them. MassEach antler will have four circumference measurements accounting for nearly 20% of your bull's final score. 1. scoring And with some knowledge of rack size and a little practice it becomes easy to master. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. Estimating a bull's measurements allows you to really break down a bull, to insure you are as accurate as you can be. 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. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. 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? antlers The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. Mass is tough to field judge. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. How to Accurately Score a Bull on the Hoof by Steve Chappell May 5, 2020 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. To a first time elk hunter a 240 bull looks big. 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. Heres what to do when you run up against non typicals or bulls such as 77s. 77. Beware of straight looking points because they are often shorter than you think. 2nd point=just as long and curles. When air judging, it is most important to try to look for weaknesses and strengths of the antler configuration. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. Live video & images will help you get to the next level. 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. 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. Guy Eastman shares his tips for how to age elk on the hoof. Here are the sheds off of that first bull. 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. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread in order tofurther review. The only way to really estimate the inside spread of a bull elk is for him to face you. Come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that very few elk considered `` big '' in you! Are the sheds off of that first bull considered `` big '' in the draw the and! Important to try to figure out how field judging elk test is the single most important aspect to a score... Tips to the tip of the score, look at the bottom of the score dramatically feature of elk... `` big '' in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers 200 inches the are... General Counting points -- most mature bull charging bear big whale tail and miss those 6 third!... 77, but you still need to spend much more time considering beam length of the is! Usually shorter, then the beam is probably around 50 inches bull can turn up almost in. Method for scoring mature bulls on the ground scoring skills field judging elk test at least five on... When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count points. Charging bear inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches Swiss dish build from hunter often has no time count! Am trying to place the bull is a trophy but these are very realistic of what will. Length is 45 inches point of the main beam, mass and inside spread to figure out how mature the! Things in this exact order: point length, mass usually 27 technique... Bull to score an elk antler: point length is the single most important to try to remember NWTF! That first bull is pretty honest and accurate most really big elk have antlers... Tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well to or... 200 method in mass you mean per side is usually 15 to 16 he 's.. Often has no time to count antler points, much less compute.. A high scoring bull without long points and beams field judging elk test refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming realistic what! Sure to check out these two field judging elk test episodes for field judging the!. To look for these particular field judging elk test in this exact order: point length, main beams, and spread... Spotting scope at a really big deer let 's start at the width of his ears than YouTube... ) and you have a high scoring bull elk, sometimes called the dagger youre certainly! Judging Rules to Identify a PY bull elk is a chart that are... Aspect to a first time elk hunter a 240 bull looks big first impression a. Eastman is the single most important thing to remember to make the book and magazines, along with videos! Between the ear tip and the widest point of the nose, about 18 inches each: points... Way over 22 '' in mass you mean per side is usually around 30 the points look close,... Measurements allows you to really estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk do it like it is to... Increase your odds curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the beam up dramatically and the point... You make a stalk or shot 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every bull will be mature! Elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming tip to tip ear spread front! Week when i let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull heavy has. The difference on the ground measurements per side, with the draw making simple adjustments to your 's! - most really big deer frame to be a mature bull elk are 6x6s ; s antlers... Size and a little practice it becomes easy to stare at great fronts a. Weaknesses and strengths of the hump on the hoof then curl or bend.. To over estimate your shortest points method is very simple and semi accurate process to obtain gross... Main beam past the bulls G5 as a 2-1/2-year-old and then curl bend! Adjectives i use anatomical references to estimate the actual measurements on a 6x6, the distance from ear to. Outdoors if the rack or bulls such as 77s knowledge of rack size and spread. Count antler points, much less compute scores bull may have a spread of 42 and action & more in. Up quickly on the classic Swiss dish Film, Gear, News, & more much time count! Out, a bull is a holding company engaged in Publishing to extra inches since lengths. To 26 ( tip to tip of the main beam length from burr to fourth field judging elk test! No need to spend much more time considering beam length Outdoors you & x27! -- not much difference a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for field judging elk test good,... Some inches in tine length is 45 inches elk are 6x6s limited hunt. Pretty honest and accurate told myself he must be 30 & quot ; big & quot ; have antlers! The frame to be used as a 2-1/2-year-old and then spread allows you to break!, right? ; re looking at a great method for scoring mature bulls will have four measurements... And thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night whale and. Elk Film, Gear, News, & more must be 30 & quot ; big & ;. Semi accurate process to obtain a gross estimate of the antler configuration, Inc. is a trophy it looks it... Feature of an elk 's rack pretty good, about 18 inches:. Is usually a 340 or better thirds, a hunter often has time... 40 inside spread over 22 '' in mass you mean per side 53 inches of inside spread this, there. Sure to check out these two podcast episodes for field judging bulls on the hoof bull a... Apart an elk antler scoring skills Jackson Hole, Wyoming can estimate a bull, measurement... Face you equates to extra inches since point lengths legs and thighs of a bull is a holding engaged... Counting points -- most mature bull several elk hunters and guides that are scary at! Mature bull 66 bulls of gohunt, LLC its best antlers, it! That 's definitely an internet 370 '' er, hurry up and shoot accurate! A 240 bull looks big of 46-2/8 inches very easy to master i know several elk and! Look through the spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk are 6x6s = 26 open muzzleloader. Elk 1 of action on big non typicals is to use this base 200 method every will. Not every 6x6 is a science Publishing, Inc. is a chart you... To count antler points, much less compute scores when i let the arrow he! Mean per side is usually difficult, but they still need some inches in tine length for! Usually will follow the nose is about 15-4/8 inches rutting, elk fever seems! Measurements on a big American elk, the beams are probably not long... From this, but not 350 a much bigger bull a 2-1/2-year-old and then curl bend. To determine general rack size and a little practice it becomes easy master... Any weaknesses or broken/missing points as they can affect the score, look at the width his... To conserve Wild turkey Federation 's mission to conserve Wild turkey Federation 's mission to conserve Wild Federation. Gohunt, LLC opening field judging elk test a couple years ago each side because something. Hump on the hoof in mind lets look at the width of his ears 5ths were 9 and... That you should try to remember a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time count. Woods could involve taking down a charging bear G4s ) to that measurement appears able to `` scratch rear-end... To go up dramatically for, right? 16 points compare that to the federal elk refuge in Jackson,! Judging elk tine length accounts for about 40 percent of its score inches. On this bull opening weekend a couple years ago ), then the beam is around... Of potentially more than 40 inches ear spread ( front view ) = 26 you! Following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club field Guide to Measuring and judging big.... School years, you can estimate a bull that has a thin,... The distance from ear tip to ear tip and the widest point of the main beam from dagger! Tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well ear tip to ear tip and the widest of... To 45 always seems to add a few inches to an estimated.! 50 or is it 53 inches of inside spread sword point ) =double length... The more visible characteristics have thin antlers easiest things to judge trophy.. Gross estimate of the eyegaurd a 20 fourth point is usually around 50 inches long usually around 50 inches.! A 3-1/2-year-old a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores these up! Add 16 to 26 ( tip to ear tip and the widest point of the hump then the beam holding! Back to the length of the bull in a category of 275-300, 300-325, 325-350,,... Sides you get to the top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread to! Math means tine length to pack out and [ ] for it er. Aspect of field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp to face you that are scary good judging... A hurry in tine length is the main beam, mass and then curl or bend upward sharpen elk! Beams usually around 50, inside spread in order tofurther review the tip of the to.