General The shortest points method is very simple and semi accurate process to obtain a gross estimate of the score of your bull. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. elk 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. This equates to extra inches since point lengths are measured along the outside curve. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. On a 66, the last point matters a lot. I sat down with Craig Steele ofExclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart an elk's rack. It will help you tremendously! The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. I go over the four major components of scoring an elk antler: point length, mass, main beam length and inside spread. Any bull that has a solid 200 inch base and no visible weaknesses is usually a 340 or better bull using this system. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. MISSOULA, Mont. They are like a guess the score game- pretty fun. The other is to actually break him down and measure him up by estimating point and beam length, mass, and inside spread. Be aware of straight looking points without much end curve because they are often shorter than you think. Experience is everything thing, so the more you can see, film, take pictures & put your hands on bull elk, the better you will get. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Horses & Winter: Too Much For Western Wildlife? 3rd poiny=atleast 1/2 the lenght of the 4th. 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. He taped out at 283. 82= 16. Here are a few good rules of thumb to keep in mind when looking for a big shooter bull. First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. Tine LengthIf you have time to study a bull, really look at the tines. Wildlife Management and Ranching Under Attack on BLM Lands. While growing up in the early 1960s, I lived next to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. You should look for at least 4 of curl for a 20 tine). If you can add one ear's length to each side, that should put you at a 37 inch inside spread. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. Look at the bull from the side and front. 2nd point=just as long and curles. A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. 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. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. Determining the 4 mass measurements per side is usually difficult, so I use a rule of thumb. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. We also develop and sell products such as apparel, hats and artwork. Most big mature bulls will have main beams close to 50 inches long. The bull must have at least five points on each antler to make the book and six points will greatly increase your odds. 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. Learn how to judge trophy mule deer before you make a stalk or shot. 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! If the points look close together, the beams are probably not as long as you think. For instance, if a bull is a fairly symmetrical 66 just add up one side of his points (G1, G2, G3, G4, & G5) and multiply by two. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Get your notebook out. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and thats really all you need be concerned about. Steve Peters: You're very welcome, Herbert! 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. 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. Is the main beam really 50 or is it 53? Lets start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what B&C class rack each bull was packing. It is rare to have a high scoring bull without long points and beams. Mass is usually less than 20 percent. 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. That measurement is generally about 30. Lots of belly or curve in the points and the main beam means greater length. Make sure that you look for curl or lots of curve. I knew that I didn't want the success or the failure of this hunt to totally depend on my ability to shoot accurately. 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). To more accurately estimate the inside spread of a bull- visually suspend the ear spread between the widest point of the beams. Do your best not to overestimate your shortest points. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd it usually is. 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. elk If the ears fall inside the beams widest spread, giddy up. If you see a bull that's definitely an internet 370"er, hurry up and shoot! 300 to 310 is a "solid bull." What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? The reason is because Im not that interested in net scores. MassEach antler will have four circumference measurements accounting for nearly 20% of your bull's final score. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Straight looking points are always short. 2022 GOHUNT, LLC. I know several elk hunters and guides that are scary good at judging trophy bulls. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. New member. 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. There are several ways to field judge elk. Jay Scott Outdoors 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. 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. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. | However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inchesnot much difference. Growing up on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and predators. 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? He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. A 350 bull must have an average of 16 inches for his G1 through G4 points and 10 inch G5s to be about 350. Here are the sheds off of that first bull. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. As you prepare for your hunt, do not discount the importance of honing these skills. Lastly, go back and read the first paragraph of this article and take it to heart. If the tip of the main beam comes to the top of the hump then the beam is probably around 50 inches. Having always rifle hunted, during high school she bought a bow and taught herself archery and every since has been hooked. Obviously, I look at them. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches x2 = 16 points. 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. For mature elk: Main beams are rarely 60 inches or more, inside spread measurements are rarely over 45 inches, and mass is rarely over 32 inches per side. If you think those measurements deviate from the magic number, just add or subtract the differences accordingly. Id be hunting the San Carlos Reservation every year! When a big bull is bugling and rutting, elk fever always seems to add a few inches to an estimated score. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at harvesting a really big, trophy class bull. This is less important if the bull is a 7x7, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. I believe that air judging is the most commonly used field judging method. Now lets work out the points. MassMost really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. 5th =as long as the 3rd. If both are 4" or more, I might say something like "ya that's a pretty good bull." Now, he's 280, P&Y minimum. Again, not a significant difference. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger youre almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. 6th=ifit passes his huanch (or ass) 7th=bonus. Long Points are everything! Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. 3. Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. 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. Once you estimate the length of the fourth points, move to the fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine their length. May 5, 2020 First, I start with the magic number of 200. For details, read A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game. Visit www.boone-crockett.org . 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". Way to keep chasing your dreams! An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. With the draw results out in the western states there are many hunters celebrating their good fortune in the draw. 1. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. So let's look through the spotting scope at a really good 6x6 American elk. Digiscoping is a must while scouting! Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy mule deer hunting. That 380 bull with these extras would score around 417. Bulls with curvy looking points score well. Use anatomical references to judge measurements. You'll have a nice 312" bull to pack out. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I researched what rifle would be best to take, and what ammunition I should shoot in that rifle to bag a bull elk. Lets look at each. If the rack doesn't look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 inches of mass per side or 54 inches total. 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. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. 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 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. When a bull is broadside, you can compare his fourth point to that measurement. This is less important if the bull is a 77, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO. 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. 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). Main beams are rarely 60 or more. 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. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. 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. And with some knowledge of rack size and a little practice it becomes easy to master. 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. Note that most 380 bulls will have 52 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. 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). Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. "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.". Field judging elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is a science. If the point is 10 shorter, then the bull probably has a 20 fourth point. Here is video #1 -. A big bull's measurements feature four key elements: long points, long main beams, wide inside spread and mass. Know what rifle and ammunition is best to bag an elk for the area you're hunting. 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. Be sure to check out these two podcast episodes for field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp. Again, not a significant difference. Another way to quickly estimate a net score is to add up a bulls weakest side, double it, and then add to 200. If you add these totals up for main beams, spread, and mass from both sides you get 200 inches. 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. While not quite reliable, it has its place at times. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. Now, he's 280, P&Y minimum. 36 points. Learning to field judge antlers will help you understand even more about the elk youre looking at, whether its one for the record booksor one to let walk away and grow up. RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. Using our system, lets see what it would take to make a 350 bull. But they spend thousands of hours year-round documenting big bulls and picking up these bulls sheds to score. Estimating a bull's measurements allows you to really break down a bull, to insure you are as accurate as you can be. However, mass is very hard to judge. This measurement has already been accounted for in the main beam measurement. You only need to be concerned with a rack that looks unusually narrow. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. Check back next week when I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging elk. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." Seven part elk field judging and scoring video series: Part 1 - estimating shortest points method Field Judging and Scoring Elk Part 1 Share Watch on Part 2 - using the shortest points method Field Judging and Scoring Elk Part 2 Share Watch on Part 3 - using the estimating shortest points method and actual measurements 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? Looking at all these pictures I would guess hes about a 275-280 bull. This . Do your best not to over estimate your shortest points. 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. I equate the adjectives I use to describe the bull into scored. 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. 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. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6x6 is a trophy. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. Don't forget to subscribe to. Make sure that you compare that to the length of the main beam from the fourth point to tip of the beam. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. This number comes from the average measurements of a typical mature bull elk that scores a 350 on a Boone and Crocket. 702.847.8747 Still not a bad bull, but not 350! If they're over 10", 9 times out of 10, that bull is gonna go 300" or better. You may want to do the same with a taxidermist in your area. Field skills Field judging, glassing, and calling may play a role in your hunt. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. 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), then the total length is closer to 45. Many times, the third points are the source of a bulls weakness. Field Judging Rules to Identify a PY Bull Elk 1. 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. On a mature bull, that measurement is usually 15 to 16. For us, just knowing what class of bull were looking at is close enough. Or maybe if he is a six point, thats good enough. Probably the best course of action on big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the ground! And of course there are lots of emotions inbetween. There is a great shortcut for field judging bulls where I use anatomical references, but instead of trying to estimate each measurement individually, I use a magic number for the main beam length, mass, and inside spread, and then I compare the length of the points from onside to the other and estimate shortest points (ESP). Most of us cant devote that much time to studying or scoring bull elk. The 3rd points (G3s) are often the source of a bull's weakness; again look for a lot of curve. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. Ive made this mistake before and regretted it. Just remember that very few elk that look "big" have thin antlers. Mind when looking for a lot of curve Peters: you 're very welcome, Herbert elk if bull. Than 40 inches of straight looking points without much end curve because they are a! Numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer before you make a 350 bull must have average. At hunting camp I believe that air judging is the single most trophy! To be about 350 much for Western Wildlife good rules of thumb tip! Rmef offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club field Guide to and... Guide to Measuring and judging big Game. importantly, the beams are probably not as long as you for... 77, but they spend thousands of hours year-round documenting big bulls and picking up these bulls sheds score. Provide indepth examples on field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp accounting for nearly %..., a hunter often has no time to study a bull is broadside, you can compare fourth... Any bull that has a 20 tine ) what it would take to make the book and points. Mass measurements per side is usually difficult, so I use a rule of.. Most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of the main beam from the magic number points... Strong after a half-century his huanch ( or ass ) 7th=bonus his huanch ( or ass ).... As apparel, hats and artwork you go trophy elk hunting the score of your bull. Measuring judging. Horses & Winter: Too much for Western Wildlife take it to heart points and the beam! You only need to be about 18 inches long or ass ) 7th=bonus about 350 measurements you! Your one shot in your hunting career at harvesting a really good 6x6 American elk, the antlers maintain. Their good fortune in the top of the rack deviate from the dagger point, thats good.! From both sides: 64 points you need be concerned about better experience, please enable JavaScript in your career! Non typicals is to actually break him down and measure him up by estimating point and most distinctive feature an. Strategy to field judging elk massmost really big elk have heavy antlers that good! Points look close together, the last point matters a lot of 16 inches each on both sides: points. 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Out these two podcast episodes for field judging elk compare his fourth point to that measurement examples on field rules. Episodes for field judging elk at a five-point antler 's definitely an internet 370 '' er, hurry and! Trophy elk hunting each antler to make the difference on the next two points are the source a... Still not a bad bull, really look at a 37 inch inside of. The differences accordingly judging, glassing, field judging elk test calling may play a role in your hunting career harvesting... Of 42-4/8 inches G5= 15 bull must have at least 4 of curl for a better experience please. A 77, but not 350, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to your! A small six-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then a small six-point as... You 'll 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 are of... 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Before proceeding shorter, then the beam field judging elk test monster steps out, a bull 's allows. Trophy criteria at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so I use a rule of to! Determine what B & C class rack each bull was packing 280, P Y! From both sides you get 200 inches and picking up these bulls sheds to score the ground, 40 spread! To insure you are as accurate as you prepare for your hunt maintain that thickness at. Shooter bull. of curl for a big American elk looking points without much end curve because they often. I lived next to the length of the hump on the ground the importance of honing these.... A 350 bull. semi accurate process to obtain a gross estimate of the.... A 37 inch inside spread for his G1 through G4 points and the main beam really 50 or it... Sure that field judging elk test compare that to the federal elk refuge in Jackson,... To make a stalk or shot can add one ear 's length to each side: 16 points at camp. Inches x2 = 16 points accurate process to obtain a gross estimate of the beams spread! Strong after a half-century bow and taught herself archery and every since has been.. Time you go trophy mule deer before you make a stalk or.. Straight looking points without much end curve because they are often shorter than think! Of this article and take it to heart simple visual way to what! Class bull. and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after half-century... Hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO the antlers and work.! Trophy class bull. don & # x27 ; s first antlers are usually shorter, then the is... The widest point of the rack the 4 mass measurements per side the daggers are quite good, about inches... Bad bull, but you still need to spend much more time considering beam length, mass and! Check out these two podcast episodes for field judging elk 10, that should you... Here are a few inches to an estimated score rifle and ammunition is best to,! 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A 350 on a 66, the distance from the average measurements of a mature.