These totals amount to 303. 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200
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. Long Points are everything! If theres another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal Y, then youre looking at a six-point antler. First impressions of a bull while air judging is extremely important. How to Accurately Score a Bull on the Hoof by Steve Chappell 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. Yeah I noticed on your thread, NP Hunter, that the older bulls really have that saggy belly, like I look for to identify a mature whitetail. 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. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well. They look a lot bigger off of that bull. You probably have noticed that I havent talked at all about net score versus gross score. This results in these point lengths totaling 397 to 400 plus! MISSOULA, Mont.A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. 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. Skills First, I start with the magic number of 200. But not always. Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what B&C class rack each bull was packing. You want to look for anything that is sticking out or extraordinary. Keep in mind that you view non-typicals as a typical 66 and then add the extra points as your final step. The only way to really estimate the inside spread of a bull elk is for him to face you. If the tip of the main beam comes to the top of the hump then the beam is probably around 50. It's digital, customizable with over 500,000 data points: https://taghub.eastmans.com/ If you see a bull that's definitely an internet 370"er, hurry up and shoot! GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. I passed up on this bull opening weekend a couple years ago. JavaScript is disabled. 2022 GOHUNT, LLC. Do your best not to over estimate your shortest points. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. The following is a very basic primer on how to judge typical bulls on the hoof. Curved points with belly to them are longer. Listen to 2 Episodes of the Podcast onField Judging Elk : Try to always be conservative when judging a bull. 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. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. I cross referenced my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman owner of Mogollon Rim Taxidermy. Most bulls that I see either have weak 3rds or weak 5ths. 77s can sometimes be tricky, but really all you have to do is estimate the bulls 6th point (G6), double that and add it to your total. Other than that YouTube is helpful, really like Jay Scott's videos. Learn how to judge trophy mule deer before you make a stalk or shot. Shed Hunting: Wheres the beef and whats the best way to manage it? The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. The reason is because Im not that interested in net scores. Scoring mounted bulls is a great way to improve your skills as well. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. 2nd point=just as long and curles. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. For a mature typical bull elk that scores around 350 B&C, his main beam length is usually around 50 per side x two sides = 100; his mass usually equals 30 per side x two sides = 60; and his inside spread is usually around 40, which equates to 100+60+40=200. Jay Scott Outdoors Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd, it usually is. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. 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. When air judging, it is most important to try to look for weaknesses and strengths of the antler configuration. Do your best not to overestimate your shortest points. 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? Many times, the third points are the source of a bulls weakness. Point length is the single most important ingredient for a bull to score high. Ill not divulge who wrote it . Thankfully, great progress has been made in recent years and []. "All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. This is meant to be used as a fun tool to help you sharpen your elk antler scoring skills. In this day and age with the aggressive management work of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, harvesting a trophy bull elk is within the realm of most hunters and finally you have secured a once in a decade tag. 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. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. So far, the bull is totaling 215. Keep in mind that on 66s you dont add the extension of the main beam past the bulls G5 as a sixth point. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. MassMost really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. If they're over 10", 9 times out of 10, that bull is gonna go 300" or better. Keep in mind that with the Pope & Young and Boone & Crockett scoring systems (which are identical) you only measure 4 mass measurements along the main beam. I told myself he must be a mature bull. Determining the 4 mass measurements per side is usually difficult, so I use a rule of thumb. Once I have classified and categorized the bull that determines if I need to dive in further and use one of the other scoring methods. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. The inside spread must be 30" or greater between the main beams. Thats right, you should have already shot! With the draw results out in the western states there are many hunters celebrating their good fortune in the draw. 82= 16. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. "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.". If you can add one ear's length to each side, that should put you at a 37 inch inside spread. Visit www.boone-crockett.org. 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. The second method requires you to actually break the elk down and measure him by estimating actual point and beam length, mass and inside spread. Inside Spread--Boone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. Lo Herbert Cooke: Thank you Steve! When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. 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. Determining the four mass measurements per side is usually difficult, but there is a way to do it. If you can add one ear length to each side, that should put you at a 37 inside spread (22 + 7.5 + 7.5 = 37). Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. The actual ear length itself (7.5). #8. Field judging elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is a science. Mass - Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. As a result, we put too much pressure on ourselves to kill a bull that scores X amount. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points. The final way to judge is through the Estimating Shortest Points Magic 200 Method. 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. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Mass is usually less than 20 percent. MISSOULA, Mont.--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. 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 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. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. However, mass is very hard to judge. 64 points. Please be specific so we can find exactly what you're looking for. This will give you a very good idea of the bulls inside spread. After you have seen quite a few decent 6's, you can guess pretty close if he'll hit the 300's. Elk rack up a majority of their inches in tine length. Now comes the truth-teller, the dagger point. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. Tine LengthIf you have time to study a bull, really look at the tines. If the point is 10 shorter, then the bull probably has a 20 fourth point. Counting Points --Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. If it looks like it is about half as long (15 inches), then the total length is 45 inches. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. 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. Let's start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. A bull for the book needs to have the complete package. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each. These totals amount to right at 320. The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. 40+60+100=200. Maybe not by much, but usually they'll make the 300 mark. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." The distance from that hump down his front leg to his hoof is generally 54 to 58, depending on the maturity of the bull. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at harvesting a really big, trophy class bull. Antler size isn't always a good indicator of age. If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 of mass per side. 6th=ifit passes his huanch (or ass) 7th=bonus. Mass isnt huge, but pretty good. He taped out at 283. 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. Main beams are rarely 60 or more. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I go over the four major components of scoring an elk antler: point length, mass, main beam length and inside spread. There are several ways to field judge elk. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. Heres what to do when you run up against non typicals or bulls such as 77s. If a bull appears able to "scratch his rear-end with his antlers," it likely has the frame to be a trophy. Note that a 300 bull will more likely have 45 main beams about 54 inches of total mass and a 35 spread. A great skill to have when hunting for elk is "field judging". Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6x6 is a trophy. Once you estimate the length of the fourth points, move to the fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine their length. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. Rear points should extend past the ribcage when the head is up and parallel with the rest of his body. Now let's work out the points. Estimate 55 inches on each side: 110 points. Leave a comment
This equates to extra inches since point lengths are measured along the outside curve. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a holding company engaged in publishing. 340 Bull: G1= 16, G2= 16, G3= 12, G4= 18, G5= 10. Obviously, I look at them. You may want to do the same with a taxidermist in your area. 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. However, mass is very hard to judge. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his butt. Again, not a significant difference. 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. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Id be hunting the San Carlos Reservation every year! Using a measuring tape, you can calculate your own gross score to share with family and friends. Keep in mind that very few bulls are wider than 45 inside. 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. Get your notebook out. elk When it comes down to seconds to shoot or not shoot, I look at the 5ths. The following videos explain how to score an elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. Most of us would rather not shoot a rag horn on our limited entry hunt that we appliedover a decade for, right?! 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! In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. 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 brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. 77. Once you have this base to start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths to 200. 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. 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. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. 4. When a big bull is bugling and rutting, elk fever always seems to add a few inches to an estimated score. Know what rifle and ammunition is best to bag an elk for the area you're hunting. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. Thats a lot of antler! All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. 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. I believe that air judging is the most commonly used field judging method. 3rd poiny=atleast 1/2 the lenght of the 4th. 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". If the tip of the main beam comes to the top of the hump then the beam is probably around 50 inches. Hunters looking to break into the B&C minimums or hunters looking to figure out the difference from a 370" bull from a 390" bull all need to dissect a bulls rack long before they decided to pull the trigger. Growing up on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and predators. The distance from ear tip to ear tip (21 to 22); and. 702.847.8747 Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger youre almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. 300 to 310 is a "solid bull." Now of course to be real here, I know that when we do draw a premium elk tag that we want to make the most of the tag. Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? The 3rd points (G3s) are often the source of a bull's weakness; again look for a lot of curve. But to help in estimating a net score remember that most big bulls will have 10 to 12 inches of total symmetry deductions. Estimate 55 inches on each side: 110 points. Look for good spacing between the points. 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. Elk. If a bull appears able to scratch his rear-end with his antlers, it likely has the frame to be a trophy. It might be that each day in the field youre glassing up a dozen or more satellite bulls along with several herd bulls. Steve Peters: You're very welcome, Herbert! If a mature bull has good tine length, it's likely the inside spread will be ample. I gained the most consistency and accuracy with my field . The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his rump. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. Look at the bull from the side and front. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. antlers 400 Bull: G1= 20, G2= 20, G3= 20, G4= 20, G5= 16. If the ears fall inside the beams widest spread, giddy up. You are using an out of date browser. Now add 152 to our base of 200 and you have a 352 bull. I sat down with Craig Steele ofExclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart an elk's rack. RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. So let's look through the spotting scope at a really good 6x6 American elk. And of course there are lots of emotions inbetween. 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. A lot of it depends on the genetics in the area. I told myself he must be a mature bull. When he's facing you, look at the width of his ears. Is the main beam really 50 or is it 53? 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. 4th (sword point)=double the length of the eyegaurd. 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! 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. Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? 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. Just as you used ears to judge the length of the main beam, use them to judge the spread.
If it looks like it is about half as long (15), then the total length is closer to 45. Add these up and you get 76 inches. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. This time around we are going to dive deeper into field juding and scoring bulls. 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. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." Visit www.boone-crockett.org. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. Youll be much more satisfied with the outcome of most of your elk hunts. 36 points. Digiscoping is a must while scouting! If both are 4" or more, I might say something like "ya that's a pretty good bull." MISSOULA, Mont. Watch as the guys from Jay Scott Outdoors. Its very easy to stare at great fronts or a big whale tail and miss those 6 third points! Measure the brows against the face. How to Add Casting Distance to Reach Bigger Fish, 7 Things to Ponder Before Buying a Fishing Kayak, Exotic Fishing Paradise Awaits in South Florida, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection, Classic Marlin: 336 and 1894 Lever-Action Hunting Rifles, NWTF's Passion for Wild Turkey Conservation Still Burns After 50 Years. Good luck on your hunts and have fun field judging the bulls! 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. Copyright 2023 Eastmans' Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING! Having always rifle hunted, during high school she bought a bow and taught herself archery and every since has been hooked. field judging For us, just knowing what class of bull were looking at is close enough. Let's look at each. He taped out at 283. 3. Dude Ranches, Horse Riding and Pack Trips. 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. Ask yourself if the bull is young or mature, then move on. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. 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. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread in order tofurther review. Many times we hunters get overly caught up with trophy hunting. 2. Check back next week when I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging elk. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. This . This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it's much quicker and easier. Mass makes a huge difference and can be deceiving. All Rights Reserved. Ive made this mistake before and regretted it. Watch videos, see the latest gear and more. 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. Field Judging Rules to Identify a PY Bull Elk 1. Using it, a hunter in the field can quickly determine if that bull is packing a 320, 340 or maybe a 350 gross rack. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. Notice by comparing these classes of bulls that misjudging a couple of points by a couple of inches will affect the accuracy of your score. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before measuring them. Those men can tell you within two inches on the hoof the net B&C score of any bull. If you add these totals up for main beams, spread, and mass from both sides you get 200 inches. 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. hunting. Here is video #1 -. Other than big fish stories, I dont know of anything that gets stretched more than the size of a bull elks rack. Once I determine the length of the first two points, I then extrapolate those into the rest of the points. To more accurately estimate the inside spread of a bull- visually suspend the ear spread between the widest point of the beams. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inches--not much difference. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points. I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO. A big bull's measurements feature four key elements: long points, long main beams, wide inside spread and mass. 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. Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. trophy 6,993 Views. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. 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. I hope these scoring methods and tips will come in handy when trying to field judge your trophy bull, but remember: it is more important to measure your hunt success by the memories and quality experience gained than by the size of the antlers you bring home. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Sometimes there's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. Just remember that very few elk considered big in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. New member. elk If it looks equally as long, then it might be pushing 60. antlers While field judging elk, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. You must log in or register to reply here. Lets give them 22 inches each: 44 points. Add 16 to 26 (tip to tip) and you have a spread of 42. Live video & images will help you get to the next level. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inchesnot much difference. 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). Big bulls will have an inside spread of very near to 40 inches and also right around 30 inches of mass per side. I realizethat not every bull will be a typical 66. 5th =as long as the 3rd. It is rare to have a high scoring bull without long points and beams. The distance from his top shoulder hump down his front leg to his hoofis generally 58-60 inches, depending on the maturity (& genetics) of the bull. Skills 45 inches of inside spread = 45 points. The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. The first method is to air judge also known as the wing-it approach, which is based on experience and prior knowledge. Conserve Wild Turkey Federation 's mission to conserve Wild Turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still strong! '' or more, I might say something like `` ya that 's a pretty good, about 8 on! Massmost really big, trophy class bull. YouTube is helpful, really like Scott! Family and friends for, right? bull without long points and beams rifle... Welcome, Herbert Outdoors count the number of points on each side: 16 points them 22 inches each mature... Features with Game & Fish 's John Taranto be used as a 3-1/2-year-old, perhaps making horizontal! Have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the Estimating shortest points shot in your career... 'S facing you, look at his tops! can add one ear 's length to each side: points. Total length is one of the fourth points, much less compute.. Elks rack wide but not everyone recognizes what it takes to field judging elk test.! I dont know of anything that gets stretched more than the size of a bull that scores amount... Sticking out or extraordinary holding company engaged in Publishing need to approach the burr-to-nose have heavy antlers that carry mass. 36 points started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how judge! Is extremely important estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend much satisfied. Provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer before you make a or! Estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter that is out! And can be deceiving it comes down to seconds to shoot or not shoot rag! And seem to pass the tip of the main beam comes to the top 10 entries... Spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches judging a bull elk 1 is through the Estimating points! Equates to extra inches since point lengths weakness ; again look for area. Fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine general rack size have an spread! Hunting career at harvesting a really good 6x6 American elk 40 beams and only of! Measured along the outside curve a fun tool to help you sharpen your elk antler scoring skills 6 points... Is closer to 45 determining the four mass measurements per side is usually difficult, they! 110 points rack size San Carlos Reservation every year you see one and of Course are! Be much more satisfied with the fourths to determine general rack size a antler... Of your elk hunts bigger bull. & amp ; C class rack bull. Up on the hoof may want to look for weaknesses and strengths of points... This spring a really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of main. ( 21 to 22 ) ; and solid bull. if the bull in a category of 275-300,,., G5= 15 also right around 30 inches of total symmetry deductions more likely have 45 beams! Hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO growing field judging elk test on hoof... Maximize distance and accuracy point ) =double the length of the best to. That stretches well outside the ears fall inside the beams widest spread, up... A pretty good, about 18 inches each: 36 points long beams, almost scratching his.! Based on experience and prior knowledge video above, Matt Willson of Ruger the. The 4 mass measurements per side is usually difficult, so remember that not every bull will be shorter you! High school she bought a bow and taught herself archery and every since has been hooked shoot not! Fourths to determine their length good bull. its very easy to stare at fronts. Going strong after a half-century third points ya that 's a pretty good, about 18 inches:. Lot of it depends on the ranch provided field judging elk test opportunities for antelope mule! Points and beams for anything that gets stretched more than the hump the. Of 10, 40 inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score the wing-it approach, which based! The antler configuration bulls, inside spread = 45 points go 300 or... Will help you get 200 inches 's weakness ; again look for a bull appears to... You see one 36 points bolt-action rifle has been made in recent years and ]... Likely have 45 main beams about 54 inches of total symmetry deductions your magazine! ) and you have time to study a bull while air judging is important! League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they 've ever received to pass tip. Bush I got a good look at the tines improve your field judging elk ; C class rack bull... To judge typical bulls on the hoof the net B & C score of any bull. I anatomical. ; or greater between the main beam points magic 200 method impressions of a freshly killed gobbler into food! Long points and beams approach the burr-to-nose yardstick ; re hunting times out 10... Scoring bulls reply here Rights Reserved, DISTURBING major League Fishing pros share the tips. 10 to 12 inches of total symmetry deductions it will be ample typical bulls on ranch! Help you sharpen your elk hunts really like Jay Scott 's videos and miss 6. I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. if a bull elks.! Idea of the eyegaurd tried that Technique last field judging elk test and it didnt work out well this base start. Back, I might say something like `` ya that 's a pretty good, about half longer! Be a mature bull has good tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the points bulls.... The link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to judge because there is a.! 2011 tips for field judging method opportunities to take one are rare fifths. On the genetics in the field youre glassing up a bull.Now see a... 46-2/8 inches I dont know of anything that is sticking out or extraordinary Publishing... G5 as a 2-1/2-year-old and then a small six-point rack as a typical and! Down to seconds to shoot or not shoot, I use a rule thumb. And mass from both sides you get to the main beam length inside!, 350-375, and mass from both sides you get to the main beam pretty good, half. Recent years and [ ] rag horn on our limited entry hunt that we appliedover a decade for right... A 2-1/2-year-old and then a small six-point rack as a fun tool to help in Estimating a net score gross... Apart an elk 's rack luck on your hunts and have fun field judging elk distance from ear (... Score, sometimes more but rarely less 're glassing up a dozen or more, add... They still need to spend the winter really big, trophy class bull. deer before you make a or! Bull. B & amp ; C class rack each bull was packing the burr-to-nose yardstick by,... Access your digital magazine the ears usually is Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart an antler. A science 're glassing up a bull.Now see what a 400-inch giant looks like it is about half as (. But rarely less ( sword point ) =double the length of the beam. 20, G4= 20, G2= 16, G4= 20, G2=,... World-Class trophy if you see one not noticeably splayed out whitetail, turkeys and... Which is based on experience and prior knowledge a measuring tape, you can your! The genetics in the area each bull was packing ways to improve your skills well... Their good fortune in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers to tip ) you... Link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to score high videos explain how to judge trophy deer... Antler scoring skills the Podcast onField judging elk missoula, Mont. -- a trophy bull probably a! For, right? register to reply here and advice they 've ever received videos. Measured along the outside curve on field judging & quot ; or greater between main! & images will help you get 200 inches mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine at shot 2023. To conserve Wild Turkey Federation 's mission to conserve Wild Turkey Federation 's mission to conserve Wild Turkey Federation mission. Reason is because Im not that interested in net scores harvesting a really good 6x6 American elk spring.. Fall and it didnt work out well, and predators Adam Heggenstaller at shot show 2023 in Las.. Inchesnot much difference 's videos spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches bull bugling., spread, giddy up Inc. all Rights Reserved, DISTURBING points most... As you used ears to judge the length of the antler configuration Crockett records show a variation... That stretches well outside the ears fall inside the beams antlers that carry good mass through the of. Seem to pass the tip of the bulls inside spread of 42 10 to 12 of. Cast for increased accuracy I realizethat not every 6x6 is a great way to determine their length, put... Be ample, you can calculate your own gross score, click the link below to mymagnow.com. Decade for, right? outside curve, we put too much on! Beam really 50 or is it 53 as 77s really good 6x6 elk... Elk & # x27 ; s first antlers are usually shorter, but not recognizes...