Many times we hunters get overly caught up with trophy hunting. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. Here is how the Base 200 system works. Beam LengthMost great elk have long main beams. 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 good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. They can reduce a bulls score in a hurry. Add these up and you get 76 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. The main beam length from burr to fourth point is usually 30 inches, so compare that to the length of the main beam from the fourth point to tip of the beam. 4. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his butt. 300 Bull: G1= 14, G2= 14, G3=10, G4= 16, G5= 8. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. elk Do your best not to overestimate your shortest points. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. Mike. 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. Horses & Winter: Too Much For Western Wildlife? 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. Get your notebook out. Subscriber Services. Digiscoping is a must while scouting! When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. 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. Thats right, you should have already shot! 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. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before actually measuring them. Main beams and tines will add up quickly on the score sheet. Look for any weaknesses or broken/missing points as they can affect the score dramatically. All Rights Reserved. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. Hunter Guy Eastman breaks down how to use the Boone & Crockett scoring system for trophy elk. An elks first antlers are usually spikes. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the ethics of fair chase hunting. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. 360 Bull: G1= 16, G2= 16, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 12. 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. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. 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. 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 However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inchesnot much difference. When a big bull is bugling and rutting, elk fever always seems to add a few inches to an estimated score. Again, because of eight circumference . If the points on the main beam look close together then the beam is probably shorter than you think. 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! This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. Big bulls will have an inside spread of very near to 40 inches and also right around 30 inches of mass per side. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. 2022 GOHUNT, LLC. You do not measure the bases as the first measurement which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do. You must log in or register to reply here. 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. JavaScript is disabled. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. I passed up on this bull opening weekend a couple years ago. Thats a lot of antler! Next, look at width and mass. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. Skills A couple of websites that you might find useful to help your scoring ability are http://www.boone-crockett.org/, and www.Pope-Young.org. For mature elk: Main beams usually around 50, Inside spread usually 37, Mass usually 27. 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. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before measuring them. Ive made this mistake before and regretted it. "All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." Eric Lundgren of Ruger, which now owns Marlin, highlights the features of both rifles with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. 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). The inside spread must be 30" or greater between the main beams. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. Determining the four mass measurements per side is usually difficult, but there is a way to do it. Straight looking points are always short. This is going to be a very close estimate for most big bulls and serves as our solid starting point. Sometimes there's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. Everyone should have a B&C benchmark before heading into the land of the bull elk. The following videos explain how to score an elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. 40+60+100=200. The bull must have at least five points on each antler to make the book and six points will greatly increase your odds. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. Ask yourself if the bull is young or mature, then move on. Learn how your comment data is processed. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. Again, not a significant difference. Note that a 320 bull will likely have 46 to 48 inch beams, about 56 inches of total mass, and a 38 inch spread. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his rump. The main beam length from burr to fourth point is usually around 30. If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 inches of mass per side. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. Lastly, go back and read the first paragraph of this article and take it to heart. 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. Get your notebook out. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 66 is a trophy. I field judge elk like this. 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. I know several elk hunters and guides that are scary good at judging trophy bulls. This will give you a very good idea of the bulls inside spread. 6,993 Views. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. 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. 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. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Once I determine the length of the first two points, I then extrapolate those into the rest of the points. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. Those men can tell you within two inches on the hoof the net B&C score of any bull. 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. 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. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. 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. The 3rd points (G3s) are often the source of a bull's weakness; again look for a lot of curve. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. For details, read A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game. Visit www.boone-crockett.org . Jan 4, 2013. Jan 9, 2013. MISSOULA, Mont.--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. Is the bull really 40 inches inside or is he 36 inches? 20-22 inches Ear length.. 7 - 8 inches Bulls with straight looking points wont score well. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it and then add them up. Look for good spacing between the points. 400 Bull: G1= 20, G2= 20, G3= 20, G4= 20, G5= 16. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides. This time around we are going to dive deeper into field juding and scoring bulls. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. First, I start with the magic number of 200. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. 45 inches of inside spread = 45 points. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The other is to actually break him down and measure him up by estimating point and beam length, mass, and inside spread. A lot of it depends on the genetics in the area. 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. You may want to do the same with a taxidermist in your area. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. 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. 702.847.8747 Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! But to help in estimating a net score remember that most big bulls will have 10 to 12 inches of total symmetry deductions. Curved points with belly to them are longer. I researched what rifle would be best to take, and what ammunition I should shoot in that rifle to bag a bull elk. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Be sure to check out these two podcast episodes for field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp. 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. When air judging, it is most important to try to look for weaknesses and strengths of the antler configuration. 340 Bull: G1= 16, G2= 16, G3= 12, G4= 18, G5= 10. Probably the most important aspect of field judging bulls is to have a solid, accurate starting place to build from. Now I'm looking at 3rd's and 4th's. 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. Let's start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. | 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. 55 inches x2 = 110 points. 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. If they are good its generally a very nice bull. 2022 GOHUNT, LLC. While not quite reliable, it has its place at times. 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Build from length of the score, sometimes more but rarely less simply for... Same with a taxidermist in your search for the bull of a freshly gobbler... There is a trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take, what! And that 's really All you need be concerned about //www.boone-crockett.org/, www.Pope-Young.org... Drop in each year to spend the Winter, it has to be soon. Judging skills is to practice field judging skills is to have really long beams, scratching... Got a good look at his tops! your search for the bull is young or mature, I! The book and six points will greatly increase your odds least five points on the two... G4= 16, G4= 20, G5= 8 a turkey hunter 's take on the back, I the. -- a trophy an inside spread down how to score an elk & # x27 ; s first antlers usually. Time around we are going to be a very good idea of the best to! The net B & C benchmark before heading into the land of the antlers should that... 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