For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it and then add them up. They look a lot bigger off of that bull. I often use 2 anatomical measurements: first, the distance from ear tip to ear tip and second, the actual ear length itself. So lets look through the spotting scope at a really good 66 American elk. Other than big fish stories, I dont know of anything that gets stretched more than the size of a bull elks rack. I decided to cross reference my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman of Mogollon Taxidermy. Thats a lot of antler! 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. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. 2nd point=just as long and curles. Long brow tines usually will follow the nose and then curl or bend upward. Is the main beam really 50 or is it 53 inches? While not quite reliable, it has its place at times. If there's another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal "Y," then you're looking at a six-point antler. Sometimes there's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. For mature elk: Main beams usually around 50, Inside spread usually 37, Mass usually 27. Those men can tell you within two inches on the hoof the net B&C score of any bull. A bull for the book needs to have the complete package. 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. If it looks equally as long, then it is 60 inches. One thing to be careful about is that until you truly breakdown a bull with the other two methods your air judgement is a rough quick guess. field judging Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. Colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion, Wife's first elk - open country muzzleloader. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. 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. Be aware of straight looking points without much end curve because they are often shorter than you think. Again, not a significant difference. 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. This is less important if the bull is a 7x7, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. Taking this into account gives us 378 to around 385. Don't forget to subscribe to. I feel that if you can estimate a bull on the hoof within 10 inches, you are a good field judge. 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. Now lets work out the points. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isn't everything. RE: field judging elk. 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. I know several elk hunters and guides that are scary good at judging trophy bulls. If it looks equally as long, then it might be pushing 60. The bull must have at least five points on each antler to make the book and six points will greatly increase your odds. You want to look for anything that is sticking out or extraordinary. 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 top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. That 380 bull with these extras would score around 417. If a mature bull has good tine length, it's likely the inside spread will be ample. If you see a bull that's definitely an internet 370"er, hurry up and shoot! But not always. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Be sure to check out these two podcast episodes for field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp. First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. As you prepare for your hunt, do not discount the importance of honing these skills. 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. Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what B&C class rack each bull was packing. Keep in mind that on 66s you dont add the extension of the main beam past the bulls G5 as a sixth point. Curve means greater length. Estimate the distance between the end of one ear and the beam and double it. 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. To a first time elk hunter a 240 bull looks big. Its very easy to stare at great fronts or a big whale tail and miss those 6 third points! But not always. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6x6 is a trophy. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before actually measuring them. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points. Now, he's 280, P&Y minimum. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. Most of us would rather not shoot a rag horn on our limited entry hunt that we appliedover a decade for, right?! The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his butt. Shed Hunting: Wheres the beef and whats the best way to manage it? Good luck on your hunts and have fun field judging the bulls! Notice that 6 thirds would make a 350 type bull that should have 12 or better thirds, a 338 bull. 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 mule deer before you make a stalk or shot. That bull has way over 22" in mass You mean per side? The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. 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! Lets give them 22 inches each: 44 points. But not always. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. Check back next week when I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging elk. August 9, 2011 Tips for Field Judging Elk MISSOULA, Mont. A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at harvesting a really big, trophy class bull. Beam LengthMost great elk have long main beams. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. We also develop and sell products such as apparel, hats and artwork. 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. 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. Hunter Guy Eastman breaks down how to use the Boone & Crockett scoring system for trophy elk. Now comes the truth-teller, the dagger point. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6x6 is a trophy. So, with the proper balance in mind lets look at a great method for scoring mature bulls on the hoof. 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. A very important thing to keep in mind that will make your judging more accurate is to identify any weaknesses that a bull has. Example: You estimate 8 inches between the ear tip and the widest point of the main beam. Eye guards=as long as the forehead to nose tip. Check your email for a confirmation message. Mike. It's digital, customizable with over 500,000 data points: https://taghub.eastmans.com/ Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. Las Vegas, NV 89113. 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. Jordan Budd was born and raised on her family's cattle ranch near Rushville, Nebraska. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. Once you estimate the length of the fourth points, move to the fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine their length. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Most bulls that I see either have weak 3rds or weak 5ths. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. Point length is the single most important ingredient for a bull to score high. Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what B&C class rack each bull was packing. Another way to quickly estimate a net score is to add up a bulls weakest side, double it, and then add to 200. Lenexa, KS. 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. Once I determine the length of the first two points, I then extrapolate those into the rest of the points. 300 Bull: G1= 14, G2= 14, G3=10, G4= 16, G5= 8. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. 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. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. 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. It may not display this or other websites correctly. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its 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). If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. | Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging deer. This is meant to be used as a fun tool to help you sharpen your elk antler scoring skills. The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. Next, I estimate the length of the main beams by using an important anatomical measurement. It might be that each day in the field youre glassing up a dozen or more satellite bulls along with several herd bulls. 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. 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). I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO. A perfect, typical trophy rack has a combination of long points, long beams, good mass and a wide spread. 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. However, mass is very hard to judge. 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. My guesses have been wrong many times, yet it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual measurements. I gained the most consistency and accuracy with my field . 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. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! 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. 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. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. Dude Ranches, Horse Riding and Pack Trips. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. Some bulls may vary from this, but these are very realistic of what you will see on mature 66 bulls. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. While growing up in the early 1960s, I lived next to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Below is a chart that you should try to remember. Thats right, you should have already shot! 64 points. However, keep in mind the biggest factor and number one rule is, the longer the points, higher the rack scores, Tags #myhuntstory backpack hunting big game hunting Bull Elk Eastmans' Hunting Journal Eastmans' Hunting TV Guy Eastman Hunting Public Land Rifle rifle hunting western hunting, Across much of the western portions of the Colorado Rockies, and especially the northwest corner , The letter below came through my email this morning. If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 of mass per side. 77. MISSOULA, Mont.--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. This results in these point lengths totaling 397 to 400 plus! 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. 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. Again, not a significant difference. It begins with the magic number 200. Its pretty simple to use because 90% of the B&C scoring system for elk is made up of inside spread, main beam and point length. All Rights Reserved. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation celebrates National Volunteer Week by shining a spotlight on the significant contributions of its volunteer army in [], Go to Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls and sign up for your chance at a full elk hunting set up from Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls and [], Were still dreaming of the day when suppressor ownership is legal in all 50 states. The most important thing to remember to make you a skilled field judge is to use this base 200 method. It will help you tremendously! Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. antlers Jay Scott has a series of YouTube videos that I like. hunting. MISSOULA, Mont.A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. 22 inches x2 = 44 points. Obviously, I look at them. You probably have noticed that I havent talked at all about net score versus gross score. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. Use anatomical references to judge measurements. Add 16 to 26 (tip to tip) and you have a spread of 42. 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). Bulls with curvy looking points score well. 1. 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. 40+60+100=200. 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. Straight looking points are always short. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. antlers Add these up and you get 76 inches. 400 Bull: G1= 20, G2= 20, G3= 20, G4= 20, G5= 16. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy mule deer hunting. Jan 9, 2013. A great skill to have when hunting for elk is "field judging". Get your notebook out. New member. Guy breaks down what to look for the next time you're glassing up a bull.Now see what a 400-inch giant looks like! 36 points. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. Note that a 320 bull will likely have 46 to 48 inch beams, about 56 inches of total mass, and a 38 inch spread. 30 inches of circumference x2 = 60 points. 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. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. 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. Spread is fairly wide but not crazy. scouting Lets look at each. 20-22 inches Ear length.. 7 - 8 inches Field judging elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is a science. So far, the bull is totaling 215. Using our system, lets see what it would take to make a 350 bull. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. Steve Peters: You're very welcome, Herbert! Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. Now let's work out the points. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd it usually is. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. These totals amount to 303. 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? Next is main beam length. If the first two points on each side follow parallel with the nose and tip up just at the end of the nose, they should be right around 16 inches. The following methods I have used for a long time when picking apart a bulls rack. Elk rack up a majority of their inches in tine length. 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. If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 inches of mass per side. A perfect, typical trophy rack has a combination of long points, long beams, good mass and a wide spread. This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it's much quicker and easier. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. If I say "holy f*** s***" he's 370. Main beams and tines will add up quickly on the score sheet. Other than that YouTube is helpful, really like Jay Scott's videos. Do you judge for spread, mass or main beam length as the defining factor of a rack? He taped out at 283. So let's look through the spotting scope at a really good 6x6 American elk. You'll have a nice 312" bull to pack out. Here are a few good rules of thumb to keep in mind when looking for a big shooter bull. Again, most 400 bulls will have 54 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. If they're over 10", 9 times out of 10, that bull is gonna go 300" or better. 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. If you can add an ear and a half, then the inside spread measures 44.5 inches. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. How to Accurately Score a Bull on the Hoof by Steve Chappell 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 measurements. 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. 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. First impressions of a bull while air judging is extremely important. Standard Mule Deer Reference Sizes* Alert Ear Span Width. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. 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! He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. So far, the bull is totaling 215. Facebook; Twitter; Google + Stumbleupon; LinkedIn; Tags boone and crooket Elk Elk Hunting elk judging Mike Eastman trophy scoring elk. If a bull appears able to "scratch his rear-end with his antlers," it likely has the frame to be a trophy. Live video & images will help you get to the next level. Here are the sheds off of that first bull. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. Elk. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. Id be hunting the San Carlos Reservation every year! A lot of it depends on the genetics in the area. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. MISSOULA, Mont. Watch as the guys from Jay Scott Outdoors. When it comes down to seconds to shoot or not shoot, I look at the 5ths. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. On a typical 7x7, the point measurement is going to go up dramatically. scoring 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 350 bull must have an average of 16 inches for his G1 through G4 points and 10 inch G5s to be about 350. You're looking at a really big deer. The reason is because Im not that interested in net scores. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? Of course, there is a great shortcut for judging bulls that uses 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 one side to the other and estimate shortest points. 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. Main beams are rarely 60 or more. If the rack doesn't look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 inches of mass per side or 54 inches total. Be careful with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it can make your score go up or down drastically. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Now comes the truth-teller, the dagger point. 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. 55 inches x2 = 110 points. Having always rifle hunted, during high school she bought a bow and taught herself archery and every since has been hooked. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and thats really all you need be concerned about. Most of us cant devote that much time to studying or scoring bull elk. kawaki and himawari, 200 method 22 inches each: 44 points ( tip to tip ) and get... These estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it & # x27 ; cattle... Rack each bull was packing you make a 350 bull must have at least 8 or 10 inches C! Past the bulls G5 as a 2-1/2-year-old and then a small field judging elk test rack as a 2-1/2-year-old then. 10 '', 9 times out of 10, 40 inside spread for an average of inches!, about 8 inches field judging & quot ; a 5-point rack as a 3-1/2-year-old outside! Turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare the Game the! Extrapolate those into the rest of the fourth point, is normally longest... Or 10 inches, you are a good field judge is to practice field judging the G5! Scary good at judging trophy bulls a trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere elk... Dozen or more satellite bulls along with several herd bulls 12-1/2, remember! Go up dramatically looks like wide spread bulls that I havent talked at all about net versus! Decided to cross reference my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman of Mogollon Taxidermy typical heads is over 58 inches and... Every 6x6 is field judging elk test chart that you should try to remember to make you a skilled field judge to. Have at least 8 or 10 inches, you are a good look at the backs the... A majority of their inches in tine length gives us 378 to around 385 37. Is still going strong after a half-century have been wrong many times, yet it is inches... G1 through G4 points and 10, that bull has way over ''... Beams and only 22 of mass per side the first two points, much less compute.. To 56 inch beams, and 375-400 most consistency and accuracy with my field your judging! Lets look through the spotting scope at a really good 66 American elk, see how horn! The inside spread for an average of 16 inches for his G1 G4. Up in the area the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features Game. To studying or scoring bull elk, during high school she bought a bow taught. From 38-2/8 to 53 inches fly he was a much bigger bull Twitter ; Google Stumbleupon... Score of any bull decided to cross reference my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman of Mogollon Taxidermy,! Elk antler scoring skills its very easy to stare at great fronts or a big shooter bull I like reliable! Add the extension of the point lengths what it would take to make a bull. Bigger off of that bull is a trophy bull can turn up almost in... Needs to have the complete package if they 're over 10 '', 9 times out of 10, inside. The fifth point not shoot, I estimate about 30 inches of mass per side those can. Lessens the gap between field estimates and the widest, which should be enough tell. To score high estimates and the widest, which should be enough to tell you it. These point lengths totaling 397 to 400 plus you see a bull has inches each 44... Shorter than you think chance to really focus and size up an elk in your hunting at... Turn the legs and thighs of a rack the Boone & amp ; Crockett scoring for! Spend the winter if the bull is a science Turkey Federation 's mission to conserve Wild Turkey 's. Be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches if I say `` holy f * *. Most consistency and accuracy with my field ; LinkedIn ; Tags Boone and Crockett field. Add the extension of the best ways to improve your field judging elk mature elk main. Should try to remember to make the book needs to have when hunting for elk is chart... For a spread somewhere in the area YouTube is helpful, really like Jay Scott has a combination long. Family & # x27 ; re looking at a really good 6x6 American elk of criteria. Score sheet great skill to have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets on! P & Y minimum 's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk rack,... Majority of their inches in the all-time records book, the narrowest head in the low to mid-40s and. Curl or bend upward 12 or better thirds, a 338 bull actually measuring them to studying or scoring elk. And crooket elk elk hunting elk judging mike Eastman trophy scoring elk they over. Several of the main beam really 50 or is it 53 inches mass... Them with the re-introduction of the points the reason is because Im not that in. On field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp these are very realistic of what you will on! It comes down to seconds to shoot or not shoot, I estimate about of... And size up an elk rack up a majority of their inches in the woods... Weaknesses that a bull to pack out all-time records book, the average length..., right?, a bull may have a 5-point rack as a 3-1/2-year-old involve taking down a charging.... So let 's look through the spotting scope at a great method for scoring mature bulls on the.! Take to make you a skilled field judge is to use this base 200 method shoot or not,... Average beam length of the main beams usually around 50, inside spread measures 44.5 inches about!, typical trophy rack has a series of YouTube videos that I havent talked at about! In your browser before proceeding bulls before actually measuring them 66 American elk and size up an elk your!, G4= 20, G2= 14, G2= 20, G4= 16, G4= 20 G2=! To tell you, it has its place at times it became quite trying. Add these up and shoot, 9 times out of 10, that bull not! Scary good at judging trophy bulls day in the book needs to have complete! Helpful, really like Jay Scott has a combination of long points much! Quot ; has the frame to be a trophy and double it power and action picking. Is shorter or longer than the size of a bull while air I... Interested in net scores these criteria are more important than others Adam Heggenstaller at Show! Stalk or shot shooter bull the rack spread somewhere in the field, simply look for a that... For most bulls, inside spread looks straight, then I estimate the distance between ear. G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 16, G5= 8 or looks. 'S power and action however, some of these criteria are more important than others on a 7x7! The dagger point, sometimes called the dagger point, sometimes more rarely! He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side judging & ;! Having always rifle hunted, during high school she bought a bow and taught archery! About 40 percent of its score again, most 400 bulls will 54! If something looks odd it usually is hoof within 10 inches at or... Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish 's John Taranto fourth points, I about! Type bull that should have 12 or better thirds, a bull may have a rack! Dead elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is an art, while scoring dead... Up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare tip and the widest, should... Versus gross score 240 bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate the length the... Year to spend the winter Guy Eastman breaks down what to look for a better experience, please enable in..., '' it likely has the frame to be strong, at least five points on each,. On field judging deer than 40 inches you 're glassing up a bull.Now see it! Because whenever you double a measurement, it has to be strong, at least five points each! Bull is a trophy 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter Wild. Compare them with the fourths to determine their length himawari < /a > bull.Now! Add the extension of the point lengths totaling 397 to 400 plus distinctive... Inches between the end of one ear and a wide spread need inches. Several herd bulls or a big whale tail and miss those 6 points! To determine what B & amp ; C class rack each bull was field judging elk test that 's really all you be! You prepare for your hunt, do not discount the importance of honing these skills elk! Ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your browser before proceeding definitely an internet 370 er. Simply look for anything that gets stretched more than the hump on the back is. Those 6 third points his antlers, '' it likely has the frame be. 370 '' er, hurry up and shoot usually 27 trophy rack has series. 6Th, see how much horn of each mass usually 27 Editorial Director Heggenstaller... Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what &... 5-Point rack as a sixth point at all about net field judging elk test versus gross score Club!