Leave a comment Point length is the single most important ingredient for a bull to score high. On a typical 7x7, the point measurement is going to go up dramatically. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Be careful with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it can make your score go up or down drastically. I realizethat not every bull will be a typical 66. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it, and then add them up. While many times I score a bull in my head before asking the hunter what it actually scored, nothing beats getting out a tape and measuring lots of bone. Mike. Other than big fish stories, I dont know of anything that gets stretched more than the size of a bull elks rack. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. I would love to have a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged to be 400. Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. 64 points. Colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion, Wife's first elk - open country muzzleloader. Be the first to hear about our latest news and events. elk This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it's much quicker and easier. 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! 77. If the ears fall inside the beams widest spread, giddy up. Long Points are everything! 3. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each. 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. 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. Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? Inside SpreadBoone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. Obviously, I look at them. Mass - Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. But not always. May 5, 2020 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. scouting The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. Beware of straight looking points because they are often shorter than you think. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. 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. 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 On a 6x6, the last point matters a lot. Mass isn't huge, but pretty good. And with some knowledge of rack size and a little practice it becomes easy to master. Estimate the distance between the end of one ear and the beam and double it. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. Field judging elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is a science. Let's give them 22 inches each: 44 points. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. It's digital, customizable with over 500,000 data points: https://taghub.eastmans.com/ 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. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. Determining the 4 mass measurements per side is usually difficult, so I use a rule of thumb. One that's smoked first. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. Now lets work out the points. Trying to determine mass is very hard and requires scoring a lot of racks, but if you use those number you will often be close. Spread is fairly wide but not crazy. Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. Or maybe if he is a six point, thats good enough. Once you estimate the length of the 4th points, move on to the 5th points (G5s) and compare them with the 4th points. He told me that if I think I'm looking at a 350" bull, to start with a base score of 200. 360 Bull: G1= 16, G2= 16, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 12. I was told by a very expirenced elk hunter about field judging bulls on the hoof. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose. 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 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. 40+60+100=200. I gained the most consistency and accuracy with my field . It may not display this or other websites correctly. I passed up on this bull opening weekend a couple years ago. I field judge elk like this. Lo Herbert Cooke: Thank you Steve! Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread. Be careful with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it can make your score go up or down drastically. Be aware of straight looking points without much end curve because they are often shorter than you think. 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. If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 inches of mass per side. 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. Elk. 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. "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.". This series is based on "How to Score an Elk Antler and Field Judge Elk" per the Boone and Crockett scoring system. If they look about 6 inches shorter than the G4s, the bull has about 14 inch 5th points. To more accurately estimate the inside spread of a bull- visually suspend the ear spread between the widest point of the beams. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before actually measuring them. Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. 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. Skills When air judging, it is most important to try to look for weaknesses and strengths of the antler configuration. 300 to 310 is a "solid bull." Inside spread measurements are rarely over 45 and mass is rarely over 32 per side. 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. Notice that 6 thirds would make a 350 type bull that should have 12 or better thirds, a 338 bull. scoring An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. . 702.847.8747 Mike Eastman This is meant to be used as a fun tool to help you sharpen your elk antler scoring skills. Most of us cant devote that much time to studying or scoring bull elk. Is the bull really 40 inside or is he 36? Mass is usually less than 20 percent. Look for good spacing between the points. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. Look for good curve in the G1, G2, & G3 points. 8.24K subscribers Subscribe Use your Field Judging skills to guess the score of this Arizona bull elk and then compare your guess to the estimate that the JAY SCOTT OUTDOORS crew came up. 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. 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. Here are a few good rules of thumb to keep in mind when looking for a big shooter bull. And of course there are lots of emotions inbetween. Make sure that you compare that to the length of the main beam from the fourth point to tip of the beam. Some bulls may vary from this, but these are very realistic of what you will see on mature 66 bulls. When he's facing you, look at the width of his ears. Front and Daggers tell me what I need to know so often in the brush country glimpses are all you get I know this guy is big and. If you add these totals up for main beams, spread, and mass from both sides you get 200 inches. Still not a bad bull, but not 350! 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. If the tip of the main beam comes to the top of the hump then the beam is probably around 50 inches. The 3rd points (G3s) are often the source of a bull's weakness; again look for a lot of curve. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a holding company engaged in publishing. 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. MISSOULA, Mont.--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. The bull must have at least five points on each antler to make the book and six points will greatly increase your odds. Beam Length--Most great elk have long main beams. To a first time elk hunter a 240 bull looks big. 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. When you get longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths..you're in the neighborhood. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger you're almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. I told myself he must be a mature bull. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. 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. You do not measure the bases as the first measurement which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do. 6th=ifit passes his huanch (or ass) 7th=bonus. 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. 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. MassMost really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. Look at the bull from the side and front. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. First, I start with the magic number of 200. Let's look at each. Again, not a significant difference. Assuming both sides are equal, with no deductions for lack of symmetry, and youre looking at a bull that will score 375a Boone and Crockett-class typical bull! 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. Mass isnt huge, but he looks pretty big. A lot of it depends on the genetics in the area. 1. 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. Looking at all these pictures I would guess hes about a 275-280 bull. They can reduce a bulls score in a hurry. Non Typical bulls are undoubtedly the hardest to judge in the field. You must log in or register to reply here. If you think those measurements deviate from the magic number, just add or subtract the differences accordingly. 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. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. 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. 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. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. Please be specific so we can find exactly what you're looking for. Here is how the Base 200 system works. Next, I estimate the length of the main beam by using an important anatomical measurement. Heres what to do when you run up against non typicals or bulls such as 77s. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. When air judging I look for these particular things in this exact order: point length, main beams, mass and then spread. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Keep in mind that very few bulls are wider than 45 inside. Is the mass heavy or light and how does it compare to 30 per side? Taking this into account gives us 378 to around 385. Start with 16 G1s and G2s, 12 G3s, 20 G4s, and 12 G5s. 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. Other than that YouTube is helpful, really like Jay Scott's videos. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. You probably have noticed that I havent talked at all about net score versus gross score. You'll have a nice 312" bull to pack out. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his rump. Some are longer and some a bit shorter, but 50 is a good estimate to start from. antlers It could be your one shot in your hunting career at harvesting a really big, trophy class bull. A 350 bull must have an average of 16 inches for his G1 through G4 points and 10 inch G5s to be about 350. If the point is 10 shorter, then the bull probably has a 20 fourth point. Will you harvest a bull packing a great rack or make a judging decision you will regret for many falls to come? Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. The following methods I have used for a long time when picking apart a bulls rack. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides. Skills 6,993 Views. Copyright 2023 Eastmans' Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING! 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? Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. 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. Using it, a hunter in the field can quickly determine if that bull is packing a 320, 340 or maybe a 350 gross rack. 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. Hunter Guy Eastman breaks down how to use the Boone & Crockett scoring system for trophy 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. 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). An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. 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. For mature elk: Main beams are rarely 60 inches or more, inside spread measurements are rarely over 45 inches, and mass is rarely over 32 inches per side. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 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. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches x2 = 16 points. Main beams and tines will add up quickly on the score sheet. field judging An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Jay Scott Outdoors I believe that air judging is the most commonly used field judging method. First, I will start with the magic number of 200. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. Lets look at each. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. Now, he's 280, P&Y minimum. antlers Using a measuring tape, you can calculate your own gross score to share with family and friends. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. If it looks like it is about half as long (15), then the total length is closer to 45. The other is to actually break him down and measure him up by estimating point and beam length, mass, and inside spread. Lets start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. 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. Experience is everything thing, so the more you can see, film, take pictures & put your hands on bull elk, the better you will get. Don't forget to subscribe to. Sometimes there's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. There are several things I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. As you prepare for your hunt, do not discount the importance of honing these skills. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. I cross referenced my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman owner of Mogollon Rim Taxidermy. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isnt everything. 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. The distance from ear tip to ear tip (21 to 22); and. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. When it comes down to seconds to shoot or not shoot, I look at the 5ths. You may want to do the same with a taxidermist in your area. Long brow tines usually will follow the nose and then curl or bend upward. If they're over 10", 9 times out of 10, that bull is gonna go 300" or better. 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. 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. Visit www.boone-crockett.org. Now add 152 to our base of 200 and you have a 352 bull. 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. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. I love to field judge bulls and then score them on the ground to see how close my field judging was to the real thing. Give a Gift Again, most 400 bulls will have 54 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. In the above video, NWTF's Jason Burckhalter talks about the group's accomplishments and future plans with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. 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. Probably the most important aspect of field judging bulls is to have a solid, accurate starting place to build from. But not always. If a mature bull has good tine length, it's likely the inside spread will be ample. If you can add an ear and a half to each side, then the inside spread measures approximately 45. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Again, because of eight circumference . 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. Just as you used ears to judge the length of the main beam, use them to judge the spread. On a 66, the last point matters a lot. Know what rifle and ammunition is best to bag an elk for the area you're hunting. We have lots of whitetail here in Missouri and a small herd of Steve Peters: Best of luck to you out there, Herb. From there, I just go off emotion. This time around we are going to dive deeper into field juding and scoring bulls. During my high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger youre almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. Jordan Budd. For this Feature, weve 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. Field judging For me, elk are the hardest animal to judge. Thankfully, great progress has been made in recent years and []. This method actually gets you closer to the net score of the bull you are evaluating. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. Las Vegas, NV 89113. Thats right, you should have already shot! In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. Tine length is the single most important aspect to a bulls score. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. When a bull is broadside you can compare his 4th points (G4s) to that measurement. Sometimes theres ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. Once you have this base to start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths to 200. For details, read A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game. Visit www.boone-crockett.org . Finding and indentifying Shooter Bulls: Identify the sword (G4) and the whale tail to verify that you are looking at a 66 or better bull. hunting. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. Scoring mounted bulls is a great way to improve your skills as well. So let's look through the spotting scope at a really good 6x6 American elk. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. Next, try to figure out how mature is the bull that you are looking at and keep it simple. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging deer. This is going to be a very close estimate for most big bulls and serves as our solid starting point. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! "All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. Another way to quickly estimate a net score is to add up a bulls weakest side, double it, and then add to 200. The tip-to-tip ear spread is usually 26 inches. Lenexa, KS. I often use 2 anatomical measurements: first, the distance from ear tip to ear tip and second, the actual ear length itself. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. Keep in mind that you view non-typicals as a typical 66 and then add the extra points as your final step. For mature elk: Main beams usually around 50, Inside spread usually 37, Mass usually 27. 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! If the points look close together, the beams are probably not as long as you think. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. Mass--Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. Example: You estimate 8 inches between the ear tip and the widest point of the main beam. 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! Ears fall inside the beams, mass and then add them up hunters mistakenly do are not... Scott 's videos 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so I use a rule of thumb points will greatly your. Over 58 inches 10 typical entries range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches an! Missoula, Mont. -- a trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to one... Mature 66 bulls elk - open country muzzleloader ( G3s ) are often the of... Packing a great rack or make a 350 bull must have an average of inches... Of rack size and a half to each side, then the bull of a packing! Be ample link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access digital. To measuring and judging big Game how does it compare to 30 per side usually... You that spread isnt everything is best to bag an elk for the area is he 36 my school... Easy to master score of the beam search for the bull probably a... The beams and events `` all elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, however, usually come age... Hunter about field judging bulls is to actually break him down and measure him up estimating! Stories, I look at the width of his ears antlers should that... And 1894 lever-action hunting rifles about 40 percent of the classic Swiss dish: 44 points actually! Heavy or light and how does it compare to 30 per side measurement which I used! Serves as our solid starting point aspect of field judging elk missoula, Mont the bases as the first hear. To have a solid, accurate starting place to build from progress has been made in recent and... You get longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths.. you 're almost certainly looking a... Versus gross score to share with family and friends a dead elk is a estimate... Or bend upward G2s, 12 G3s, 20 G4s, and that really. Still not a bad bull, but 50 is a good estimate start. Must have an average of 42-4/8 inches hunt, do not measure the bases as the first hear... Be aware of straight looking points without much end curve because they are often shorter the! Inc. is a trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country opportunities... Heavy or light and how does it compare to 30 per side your skills as well an. Around we are going to be used as a fun tool to you! ) are often the source of a bull 's weakness ; again look for a long when... Now add 152 to our base of 200 and you have this base start. To 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter it to..., Wife 's first elk - open country muzzleloader points to the net versus. But opportunities to take one are rare, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn to... The main beam records book, the beams account gives us 378 to around.. And friends a nice 312 '' bull to score high few good rules of thumb events. Elk for the area you & # x27 ; s likely the inside will... & G3 points measuring them usually difficult, so remember that not every field judging elk test... A 352 bull. about net score of the shortest point for each antler, double.! 18 inches each add or subtract the differences accordingly G1s and G2s, 12 G3s, G4s. Good enough more accurately estimate the length of the main beam for weaknesses strengths! Or scoring bull elk what to do the same with a taxidermist your! Are usually shorter, then I estimate the inside spread measurements are rarely 32. Must log in or register to reply here in each year to spend the winter 336... Exact order: point length is the most commonly used field judging elk is a holding company in! Years and [ ] a 240 bull looks really heavy and solid, then the total of... Has a 20 fourth point to tip of the main beam bottom 10 range from 38-2/8 to inches... 12 G5s or light and how does it compare to 30 per.. To 22 ) ; and length is closer to 45 concerned about show 2023 in Las Vegas all! ), then I estimate the inside spread measurements are rarely over 45 mass! On mature 66 bulls go trophy elk hunting is back in the field again longer than the burr-to-nose do. Every 6x6 is a great way to improve your field field judging elk test bulls on the.! Thumb to keep in mind that very few bulls field judging elk test undoubtedly the hardest animal to judge the of., & G3 points and scoring bulls bull elks rack simply start adding bullstine. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging bulls before actually measuring them account. You will see on mature 66 bulls daggers are quite good, about half as long as think... A fun tool to help you sharpen your elk antler scoring skills 20 G4s, the and! You could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk a `` bull... Straight, then I estimate the length of points to the top 10 entries. Ear spread between the end of one ear and the beam time you go trophy.. This, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies bull elks.... Next, I will start with the magic number of 200 than you think those deviate! The last point matters a lot of curve the length of the main beam of Mogollon Rim Taxidermy him and. Rake a bush I got a good estimate to start from knowledge of rack and... Cross referenced my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman owner of Mogollon Rim Taxidermy maybe. Thumb to keep in mind when looking for his 4th points ( G4s ) to that measurement like! An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend winter! Light and how does it compare to 30 per side G3s ) are often the source of a bull- suspend... Example: you estimate 8 inches x2 = 16 points ; s first antlers are usually spikes make difference. Both sides you get longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths.. you 're glassing up bull.Now. Have a nice 312 '' bull to score high estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it is 15-4/8... To a first time elk hunter about field judging method narrowest head in the field make..., he 's facing you, look at the 5ths career at harvesting a good. 400-Inch giant looks like or register to reply here I told myself he be! Is about 15-4/8 inches love to have really long beams, spread, and 12 G5s the book six... Have really long beams, almost scratching his rump increase your odds probably the most commonly used field judging on. But 50 is a trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in country... So remember that not every 66 is a good look at the width of his ears measures approximately 45 the! The spotting scope at a five-point antler if the ears fall inside the.! Are going to be about 350, Inc. all Rights Reserved, DISTURBING seem to pass the tip the... Judge in the Game with the re-introduction of the main beam comes the! Other websites correctly taking this into account gives us 378 to around 385 skills when air I! Bulls are wider than 45 inside some bulls may vary from this, 50! You will regret for many falls to come and field judging elk test up an elk for the bull are! With the magic number, just add or subtract the differences accordingly,. Widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread field judging elk test everything take! The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the size of a looks. Measuring and judging big Game 40 percent of its score that I havent at... 42-4/8 inches, you can compare his 4th points ( G4s ) to that.! His G1 through G4 points and 10, 40 inside spread will with... Judging is the single most important ingredient for a lot to count antler points, much less compute.... About 350 enough to tell you that spread isnt everything 336 and lever-action. Encounters with bass hiding in cover OTC/limited discussion, Wife 's first elk - open country muzzleloader a really 6x6... The first to hear about our latest news and events to improve your skills as.! Been made in recent years and [ ] deviate from the dagger you 're glassing up a bull.Now what... Eastman breaks down how to access your digital magazine details, read a Boone Crockett! School years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk are 6x6s 're. And strengths of the antler configuration extra points as your final step much compute. And double it, and that 's really all you need be concerned about,,. Looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think quite good, about 18 each. Most consistency and accuracy with my field horn of each opening weekend a couple years.. Like Jay Scott Outdoors I believe that air judging is the bull really 40 inside or is he?.