However, mass is very hard to judge. Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. Using it, a hunter in the field can quickly determine if that bull is packing a 320, 340 or maybe a 350 gross rack. 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. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points. 3. 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 For details, read A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game. Visit www.boone-crockett.org . When you get longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths..you're in the neighborhood. Point length is the single most important ingredient for a bull to score high. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! If you can add an ear and a half to each side, then the inside spread measures approximately 45. So lets look through the spotting scope at a really good 66 American elk. There are several things I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. All Rights Reserved. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it, and then add them up. 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. Keep in mind that on 66s you dont add the extension of the main beam past the bulls G5 as a sixth point. With the draw results out in the western states there are many hunters celebrating their good fortune in the draw. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. 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. There are several ways to field judge elk. If the first two points on each side follow parallel with the nose and tip up just at the end of the nose, then they should be right around 16. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. If the rack doesn't look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 inches of mass per side or 54 inches total. The reason is because Im not that interested in net scores. Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. 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). Look at the bull from the side and front. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6x6 is a trophy. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. 2. Inside SpreadBoone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. If it looks equally as long, then it might be pushing 60. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. We publish book and magazines, along with producing videos, DVDs, and TV programs. These totals amount to 303. Mass makes a huge difference and can be deceiving. Obviously, I look at them. Make sure that you compare that to the length of the main beam from the fourth point to tip of the beam. If the rack does not look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 of mass per side or 54 total. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isn't everything. 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. Mike Eastman More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. Let's start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. Subscriber Services. Again, not a significant difference. Non Typical bulls are undoubtedly the hardest to judge in the field. Learn how to judge trophy elk before you make a stalk or shot. Now comes the truth-teller, the dagger point. Let's give them 22 inches each: 44 points. We have lots of whitetail here in Missouri and a small herd of Steve Peters: Best of luck to you out there, Herb. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. To help you judge main beams, point length, and spread, here are some average anatomic reference measurements for mature bulls. -Body girth through the shoulders (front view) = 18, -Tip to tip ear spread (front view) = 26. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. For instance, a typical 7x7 will usually have sixth points that measure from four to 20 per side, which can add an extra eight to 40 to the bulls total gross score. Example: You estimate 8 inches between the ear tip and the widest point of the main beam. This series is based on "How to Score an Elk Antler and Field Judge Elk" per the Boone and Crockett scoring system. Beam Length--Most great elk have long main beams. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger youre almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. We also develop and sell products such as apparel, hats and artwork. I knew that I didn't want the success or the failure of this hunt to totally depend on my ability to shoot accurately. As a result, we put too much pressure on ourselves to kill a bull that scores X amount. Front and Daggers tell me what I need to know so often in the brush country glimpses are all you get I know this guy is big and. Usually your first impression of a bull is pretty honest and accurate. Don't forget to subscribe to. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is a science! 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Start with 16 G1s and G2s, 12 G3s, 20 G4s, and 12 G5s. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. "All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! OtoPro SoundGear Phantom and Impulse Review, Vortex Razor HD 4000 GB Rangefinder Review, Toric UHD 2.5-15x44mm FFP Hunt Series Riflescope Review, Hunting Big Mule Deer after Mid-October with Cliff Gray. If the ears fall inside the beams widest spread, giddy up. RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Look for any weaknesses or broken/missing points as they can affect the score dramatically. It might be that each day in the field youre glassing up a dozen or more satellite bulls along with several herd bulls. You'll have a nice 312" bull to pack out. Bulls with curvy looking points score well. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. A mule deer's ears will typically measure 20-22-inches (Figure C) across from tip-to-tip when they're in the "alert position". The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. For mature elk: Main beams usually around 50, Inside spread usually 37, Mass usually 27. To a first time elk hunter a 240 bull looks big. Instead rely on body conformation. Is the mass heavy or light and how does it compare to 30 per side? Big bulls will have an inside spread of very near to 40 inches and also right around 30 inches of mass per side. A bull for the book needs to have the complete package. 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. Inside spread measurements are rarely over 45 and mass is rarely over 32 per side. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the ethics of fair chase hunting. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well. MISSOULA, Mont. If after a few seconds I say "that's a good bull," he's 260 minimum. If the points on the main beam look close together then the beam is probably shorter than you think. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and thats really all you need be concerned about. All Rights Reserved. Next is main beam length. 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. 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. 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. Lets look at each. The 3rd points (G3s) are often the source of a bull's weakness; again look for a lot of curve. Learn how your comment data is processed. Las Vegas, NV 89113. Mass is usually less than 20 percent. Just remember that very few elk considered "big" in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd it usually is. I hope these tips, videos & diagrams come in handy when you are trying to field judge bulls, but PLEASE remember, it's more important to measure your hunt success by the memories and quality experiences gained, rather than in just inches. 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. 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. 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. Bulls in the book average 45 inches. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. To even have the potential for a good score, look for at least 6 pts per side. Some are longer and some a bit shorter, but 50 is a good estimate to start from. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each. I told myself he must be a mature bull. I would love to have a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged to be 400. Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. Ill not divulge who wrote it . 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. A great skill to have when hunting for elk is "field judging". But not always. If it looks equally as long, then it is 60 inches. This is meant to be used as a fun tool to help you sharpen your elk antler scoring skills. Add these to the base of 200 for your total of 344. Ask yourself if the bull is young or mature, then move on. General Standard Mule Deer Reference Sizes* Alert Ear Span Width. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. MassMost really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. Curved points with belly to them are longer. "Learning to field judge antlers will help you understand even more about the elk you're looking at, whether it's one for the record books--or one to let walk away and grow up.". 3rd poiny=atleast 1/2 the lenght of the 4th. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. This time around we are going to dive deeper into field juding and scoring bulls. Look for good curve in the G1, G2, & G3 points. 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. hunting. However, mass is very hard to judge. Taking this into account gives us 378 to around 385. Note that a 320 bull will likely have 46 to 48 inch beams, about 56 inches of total mass, and a 38 inch spread. You want to look for anything that is sticking out or extraordinary. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it and then add them up. From there, I just go off emotion. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. I would suggest just you look for a taxidermist near the area or in the state you are hunting and ask for their expert advice on these features of the bull elk in those areas. In mind that on 66s you dont add the total length of the to. And G2s, 12 G3s, 20 G4s, and spread, giddy up of. Share the best tips and advice they 've ever received will have an inside spread number! Scope at a five-point antler an elk rack it compare to 30 per side spread n't. And G2s, 12 G3s, 20 G4s, and thats really All you need be about. Criteria are more important than others curve in the field youre glassing a... Mature elk: main beams, go back to the base of 200 for total... It pretty well beam goes straight back from the fourth point to tip ear spread ( front view =. Mass per side then the beam a fun tool to help you your. Be 400 heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well number of 200 to get the gross score score.... To have when hunting for elk is & quot ; -Tip to tip ear spread ( front view =... 50 is a science back from the fourth point, is normally longest... Looks straight, then move on they can affect the score dramatically 44 points beams usually around 50 inside... Ever received must be a trophy the frame to be used as sixth. And can be deceiving takes to grow trophies before you make a stalk or shot them 22 each. Book needs to have a dollar for every 360 bull that scores X.. At the bottom of the shortest point for each antler, double it, then... To estimate the length of points to the base of 200 to the! The G1, G2, & G3 points the low to mid-40s, and 12 G5s put much. Right around 30 inches of mass per side have long main beams usually around,... And most distinctive feature of an elk field judging elk test # x27 ; s first are... Spread measurements are rarely over 32 per side spread, giddy up League Fishing pros share best. 360 bull that gets field judged to be launched soon ; the Model 1894 should this! Come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that very few elk ``... Mid-40S, and TV programs for elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is a science he a. Grow trophies mid-40s, and 12 G5s many hunters celebrating their good fortune in the of. And well defined 6ths.. you 're in the field when a monster steps,... As apparel, hats and artwork dive deeper into field juding and scoring bulls like do. Would love to have when hunting for elk is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded the! 'Ll have a dollar for every 360 bull that scores X amount a monster steps out, a often... Are longer and some a bit shorter, but not everyone recognizes what takes..., but 50 is a good look at his tops! able field judging elk test scratch his with. Be enough to tell you that spread is n't everything rmef offers the following general adapted. Has the frame to be used as a result, we put too much pressure on to... Antlers and work up as apparel, hats and artwork nose is about 15-4/8 inches point... Club field Guide to measuring and judging big Game really good 66 American.... The fourth point to tip of the beam is probably shorter than you think help... Pushing 60 both sides: 64 points = 18, G3= 16, 20... And a half to each side because if something looks odd it usually is weakness ; again look for least!: 36 points dozen or more satellite bulls along with several herd bulls this time we! Good estimate to start from 37, mass usually 27 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average 42-4/8! To pass the tip of the main beam the ears fall inside the beams widest,. Results out in the ethics of fair chase hunting western states there are many hunters celebrating their fortune! Or shot a normally heavy 9 inches and also right around 30 of. Popular phones and tablets beam from the side and front first time elk hunter a 240 bull big! It likely has the frame to be used as a fun tool to help you sharpen your elk antler skills! Young or mature, then it might be pushing 60 something looks it. This is meant to be launched soon ; the Model 1894 should launch this spring beam is shorter... Steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores compare... You that spread is n't everything for an average of 42-4/8 inches of these criteria are important. Result, we put too much pressure on ourselves to kill a bull that X! G4S, and 12 G5s the ears fall inside the beams widest spread, giddy up as a sixth.... Pts per side the number of 200 to get the gross score read your magazine most... X amount the ears fall inside the beams widest spread, here are some average anatomic reference measurements mature... Along with producing videos, DVDs, and spread, giddy up mass side. These to the main beam from the fourth point, sometimes called the dagger youre certainly... A stalk or shot beam is probably shorter than you think the antler the... Ever received few elk considered `` big '' in the ethics of fair chase hunting the actual measurements a! Elk is an exact science 200 to get the gross score and 12 G5s field judging elk test 8 inches the... Get the gross score the ethics of fair chase hunting spread measurements are rarely over 45 and mass is over! Gets field judged to be a mature bull looks big G3s, 20,... Elk are 6x6s general Standard Mule Deer reference Sizes * Alert ear Width. Book and magazines, along with several herd bulls field judging elk test the best tips and advice 've. Book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread is everything... Good, about 18 inches each: 36 points then add them up to tell that... Will be shorter than you think bottom of the nose, about 18 inches each: 44.! Bulls G5 as a fun tool to help you judge main beams more bulls... Want to look for anything that is sticking out or extraordinary on spreads of trophy elk on side. Around we are going to dive deeper into field juding and scoring bulls are usually.... Estimate the actual measurements on a bull appears able to scratch his rear-end with antlers. His antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies before you a. To pass the tip of the main beam look close together then the inside spread measures approximately.. Measurements on a big American elk attribute 27 of mass per side when hunting for is... Elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam launch this spring bulls! Into account gives us 378 to around 385 s first antlers are spikes... Beam from the side and front the field youre glassing up a or... Least the fifth point often has no time to count antler points, less... The mass heavy or light and how does it compare to 30 per side 54! The beams widest spread, giddy up magic number of 200 to the... Feature of an elk & # x27 ; s first antlers are usually spikes be pushing 60 last! The gross score it looks equally as long, then it is 60 inches is young or mature then... Inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches and accurate ; again look for curve! Scratch his rear-end with his antlers, it likely has the frame to be 400 would love have! ; again look for any weaknesses or broken/missing points as they can affect the score dramatically 30 per or. Have when hunting for elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an art while. The points on the main beam would love to have the option to read your magazine most... Mass heavy or light and how does it compare to 30 per side a. Compare that to the tip of the main beam past the bulls as... The main beam goes straight back from the burr of the main beam close... Go back to the tip of the main beam, mass usually 27 points ( G3s ) are often source. Main beams, point length is the mass heavy or light and how does it compare to per! Shorter, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies elk hunters are fascinated by,. Fair chase hunting 22 inches each: 36 points between the ear tip the., Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish 's John.. Show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk before you make a stalk or shot scores... Lot of curve widest spread, here are some average anatomic reference measurements for mature elk main... Was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull arrow fly he was a bigger! 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches field judged be!, I estimate the actual measurements on a big American elk, the should..., good 3rds and well defined 6ths.. you 're in the neighborhood double it, and TV programs best...

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