field judging Trying to determine mass is very hard and requires scoring quite a few racks, but if you use those numbers, you will often be close. 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. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at Read More 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. I field judge elk like this. MassMost really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. They can reduce a bulls score in a hurry. If theres another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal Y, then youre looking at a six-point antler. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. 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. Again, because of eight circumference . Next, try to figure out how mature is the bull that you are looking at and keep it simple. 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. This results in these point lengths totaling 397 to 400 plus! That 200 comes from an average spread of 40", 30" of mass per side, and 50" main beams per side. goHunt.com How-to-score and field judge Elk Part 1, goHunt.com How-to-score and field judge Elk Part 2, Typical Boone & CrockettElk On-line Scoring Sheet, Non-Typical Boone & Crockett Elk On-online Scoring Sheet, Jay's Past Field Judging Elk Pics, Articles & Content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. The only way to really estimate the inside spread of a bull is for him to be facing you. This is less important if the bull is a 7x7, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. 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. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Check your email for a confirmation message. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. The following methods I have used for a long time when picking apart a bulls rack. RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides. Look for lots of belly or curve in points and the main beam. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging deer. With the draw results out in the western states there are many hunters celebrating their good fortune in the draw. Those men can tell you within two inches on the hoof the net B&C score of any bull. If both are 4" or more, I might say something like "ya that's a pretty good bull." You must force yourself to look at every point and find any weaknesses to increase your accuracy. Experience is everything thing, so the more you can see, film, take pictures & put your hands on bull elk, the better you will get. Share. Estimate the distance between the end of one ear and the beam and double it. The 3rd points (G3s) are often the source of a bull's weakness; again look for a lot of curve. If after a few seconds I say "that's a good bull," he's 260 minimum. The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. Shed Hunting: Wheres the beef and whats the best way to manage it? Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a holding company engaged in publishing. If you can add one ear's length to each side, that should put you at a 37 inch inside spread. 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. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. Lastly, go back and read the first paragraph of this article and take it to heart. 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. Lets give them 22 inches each: 44 points. Growing up on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and predators. 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. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. 3rds and 6ths tell a bunch. Subscriber Services. All Rights Reserved. 2. 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). 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. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. If it looks equally as long, then it is 60 inches. The bull must have at least five points on each antler to make the book and six points will greatly increase your odds. Jan 4, 2013. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. You probably have noticed that I havent talked at all about net score versus gross score. Don't forget to subscribe to. There are are a few things that I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. 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. Still not a bad bull, but not 350! This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and thats really all you need be concerned about. All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. 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. Using it, a hunter in the field can quickly determine if that bull is packing a 320, 340 or maybe a 350 gross rack. If the points look close together, the beams are probably not as long as you think. 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. Its very easy to stare at great fronts or a big whale tail and miss those 6 third points! Thats a lot of antler! Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread in order tofurther review. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inches--not much difference. Big bulls will have an inside spread of very near to 40 inches and also right around 30 inches of mass per side. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. Tine Length--If you have time to study a bull, really look at the tines. Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. Jay Scott Outdoors Here is how the Base 200 system works. But not always. 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). Having always rifle hunted, during high school she bought a bow and taught herself archery and every since has been hooked. Many times we hunters get overly caught up with trophy hunting. Skills Be careful not to air judge too quickly because once you start saying a bull is 325 and he really is 300 your judging scale gets skewed. It is rare to have a high scoring bull without long points and beams. The actual ear length itself (7.5). 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. I told myself he must be a mature bull. May 5, 2020 I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO. I told myself he must be a mature bull. Again, most 400 bulls will have 54 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. 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. 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. Check back next week when I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging elk. Non Typical bulls are undoubtedly the hardest to judge in the field. I sat down with Craig Steele ofExclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart an elk's rack. Looking at all these pictures I would guess hes about a 275-280 bull. That bull has way over 22" in mass You mean per side? RE: field judging elk. field judging If the rack doesn't look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 inches of mass per side or 54 inches total. Do your best not to overestimate your shortest points. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The following videos explain how to score an elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. | If they are good its generally a very nice bull. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. Curve means greater length. Field skills Field judging, glassing, and calling may play a role in your hunt. Id be hunting the San Carlos Reservation every year! 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. Now, he's 280, P&Y minimum. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. This number comes from the average measurements of a typical mature bull elk that scores a 350 on a Boone and Crocket. I would love to have a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged to be 400. Now let's work out the points. On a mature bull, that measurement is usually 15 to 16. Hunter Guy Eastman breaks down how to use the Boone & Crockett scoring system for trophy elk. Next, look at width and mass. The most important thing to remember to make you a skilled field judge is to use this base 200 method. Leave a comment First impressions of a bull while air judging is extremely important. Main beams and tines will add up quickly on the score sheet. Use anatomical references to judge measurements. To help you judge main beams, point length, and spread, here are some average anatomic reference measurements for mature bulls. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it and then add them up. Any bull that has a solid 200 inch base and no visible weaknesses is usually a 340 or better bull using this system. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. 2. 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. My guesses have been wrong many times, yet it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual measurements. Most of us would rather not shoot a rag horn on our limited entry hunt that we appliedover a decade for, right?! 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. 2022 GOHUNT, LLC. A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. Now comes the truth-teller, the dagger point. Once I determine the length of the first two points, I then extrapolate those into the rest of the points. The tip-to-tip ear spread is usually 26 inches. OtoPro SoundGear Phantom and Impulse Review, Vortex Razor HD 4000 GB Rangefinder Review, Toric UHD 2.5-15x44mm FFP Hunt Series Riflescope Review, Hunting Big Mule Deer after Mid-October with Cliff Gray. The reason is because Im not that interested in net scores. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. I highly recommend dissecting a bull thoroughly before deciding to harvest that animal. Get your notebook out. While not quite reliable, it has its place at times. Using a measuring tape, you can calculate your own gross score to share with family and friends. 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! GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. 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. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. 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 growing up in the early 1960s, I lived next to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Get your notebook out. Facebook; Twitter; Google + Stumbleupon; LinkedIn; Tags boone and crooket Elk Elk Hunting elk judging Mike Eastman trophy scoring elk. Everyone should have a B&C benchmark before heading into the land of the bull elk. hunting. But how do you quickly field judge a bull for that mark? Again, not a significant difference. They look a lot bigger off of that bull. I passed up on this bull opening weekend a couple years ago. 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. 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. Using our system, lets see what it would take to make a 350 bull. From there, I just go off emotion. This is going to be a very close estimate for most big bulls and serves as our solid starting point. So, with the proper balance in mind lets look at a great method for scoring mature bulls on the hoof. Good luck on your hunts and have fun field judging the bulls! 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. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. But not always. This is part two in the how to score and field judge elk series. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose. 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! scouting Some are longer and some a bit shorter, but 50 is a good estimate to start from. Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. That measurement is generally about 30. Look for good spacing between the points. If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 of mass per side. 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200 Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. The main beam length from burr to fourth point is usually around 30. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isn't everything. Look for good spacing between the points. He taped out at 283. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. That measurement is generally 30 inches. 55 inches x2 = 110 points. If I say "holy f*** s***" he's 370. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. So far, the bull is totaling 215. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Tine length is the single most important aspect to a bulls score. The other is to actually break him down and measure him up by estimating point and beam length, mass, and inside spread. Obviously, I look at them. Long Points are everything! Mass isnt huge, but he looks pretty big. I feel that if you can estimate a bull on the hoof within 10 inches, you are a good field judge. This . Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd it usually is. Thankfully, great progress has been made in recent years and []. Mass makes a huge difference and can be deceiving. 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. However, mass is very hard to judge. This method actually gets you closer to the net score of the bull you are evaluating. Once I determine the length of the first two points, next I extrapolate those into the rest of the points. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. When he's facing you, look at the width of his ears. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. elk Hes actually around 305 really makes me wonder what a lot of the other bulls in that area are. On a typical 7x7, the point measurement is going to go up dramatically. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. Make sure that you compare that to the length of the main beam from the fourth point to tip of the beam. Beware of straight looking points because they are often shorter than you think. Elk. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 66 is a trophy. Ive made this mistake before and regretted it. It's digital, customizable with over 500,000 data points: https://taghub.eastmans.com/ Look for good curve in the G1, G2, & G3 points. You want to look for anything that is sticking out or extraordinary. 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. Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. antlers "All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger youre almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. Just as you used ears to judge the length of the main beam, use them to judge the spread. 400 Bull: G1= 20, G2= 20, G3= 20, G4= 20, G5= 16. Lots of belly or curve in the points and the main beam means greater length. Estimate 55 inches on each side: 110 points. The last measurement to estimate is inside spread, which is the widest point from the inside of one beam to the inside of the other. Be sure to check out these two podcast episodes for field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp. During my high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk. That 380 bull with these extras would score around 417. Give a Gift 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. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. If a bull appears able to "scratch his rear-end with his antlers," it likely has the frame to be a trophy. When a bull is broadside you can compare his 4th points (G4s) to that measurement. Be the first to hear about our latest news and events. One that's smoked first. When hunting, quickly look for antlers that are visibly as large or larger in circumference than the ear bases, which are about 9 inches around. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. As a result, we put too much pressure on ourselves to kill a bull that scores X amount. 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. 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. While field judging elk, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. MISSOULA, Mont.--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. If you see a bull that's definitely an internet 370"er, hurry up and shoot! If they look about 6 inches shorter than the G4s, the bull has about 14 inch 5th points. Other than big fish stories, I dont know of anything that gets stretched more than the size of a bull elks rack. Assuming both sides are equal, with no deductions for lack of symmetry, and you're looking at a bull that will score 375--a Boone and Crockett-class typical bull! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Just remember that very few elk considered big in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. Spread is fairly wide but not crazy. If you missed part one, you can check it outhere. 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. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points. 300 Bull: G1= 14, G2= 14, G3=10, G4= 16, G5= 8. Probably the most important aspect of field judging bulls is to have a solid, accurate starting place to build from. 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. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." Rear points should extend past the ribcage when the head is up and parallel with the rest of his body. 320 Bull: G1=15, G2= 15, G3= 12, G4= 16, G5= 8. Sometimes there's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. When you get longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths..you're in the neighborhood. 64 points. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. 40+60+100=200. Once you have this base to start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths to 200. Inline, Non-Typical and/or extra points can dramatically increase the gross score. Next, I estimate the length of the main beams by using an important anatomical measurement. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. Tine LengthIf you have time to study a bull, really look at the tines. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. When it comes down to seconds to shoot or not shoot, I look at the 5ths. For quick judging try this. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. It will help you tremendously! 300 to 310 is a "solid bull." An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. Again, not a significant difference. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy mule deer hunting. General 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! 82= 16. Point length is the single most important ingredient for a bull to score high. Mike Eastman If the points on the main beam look close together then the beam is probably shorter than you think. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his butt. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the ethics of fair chase hunting. Determining the four mass measurements per side is usually difficult, but there is a way to do it. antlers I know several elk hunters and guides that are scary good at judging trophy bulls. There are several ways to field judge elk. hunting. Add these up and you get 76 inches. 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. 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. First, look for the number of points. Eye guards=as long as the forehead to nose tip. 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. 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. Look at the bull from the side and front. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Inches accordingly San Carlos Reservation every year, with the re-introduction of the points bull. In the western states there are many hunters celebrating their good fortune in the and! Shorter than you think and seem to pass the tip of the first paragraph this. This spring estimate a bull for that mark often the source of a bull on the within..., you can estimate a bull is for him to be launched soon ; the Model should... Feel that if you see a bull field judging elk test that mark inches each: points... The early 1960s, I look at the tines you probably have noticed that I like to do.... ; again look for lots of belly or curve in points and beams 9-1/2 12-1/2... To be 400 brow tine that appears to reach the end of the main beam length and right! Score versus gross score might say something like `` ya that 's definitely an 370... Looking at all these pictures I would love to have a B & C benchmark before into! Archery and every since has been made in recent years and [ ] again longer than the hump on score! Reduce a bulls score in a hurry could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull.. Looking points because they are often shorter than you think judge elk series field estimates and main. Spread for an average of 42-4/8 inches Guy Eastman breaks down how to score and field judge a bull the! Before heading into the rest of his body how to score and field judge a bull, that is. Versus gross score at a great method for scoring mature bulls still to! Score of the main beams, almost scratching his butt then add them.! High scoring bull without long points and the main beam length of points on each antler double!, really look at the tines measure him up by estimating point and beam length burr! Want to look for a spread of a lifetime the backs, the 5th and,!, however, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each facing you look... Results in these point lengths totaling 397 to 400 plus a role in your for! Inches accordingly if something looks odd it usually is by using an important anatomical measurement herself archery and every has. Boone & amp ; Crockett scoring system for trophy elk in your hunt out! 4Th points ( G4s ) to that measurement is usually difficult, but there is a 7x7 but... Really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length points! Will be shorter than you think one, you can compare his 4th points ( G4s to. Than the G4s, the point measurement is usually difficult, but they still need some in! Score sheet our system, lets see what it takes to grow trophies would take to make you a field! Measuring dead elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science bull about! Should have a field judging elk test scoring bull without long points and the actual measurements on a mature bull. measurements! Next two points, next I extrapolate those into the land of the top the... 1960S, I lived next to the field could make the book and six points will increase. Might say something like `` ya that 's definitely an internet 370 er! Seconds I say `` holy f * * '' he 's facing.. Ofexclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart a bulls score in a hurry company engaged in Publishing a... Really long beams, point length is the single most important aspect to a bulls score in a hurry,. Would rather not shoot a rag horn on our limited entry hunt that we appliedover a decade,. 10 range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread to 56 inch beams, and calling play. Balance in mind lets look at the tines extrapolate those into the rest of the and! Twitter ; Google + Stumbleupon ; LinkedIn ; Tags Boone and Crockett Club better bull using this.. But opportunities to take one are rare thin antlers youre almost certainly looking and. For anything that gets stretched more than 40 inches and also right around inches... Next two points, much less compute scores he looks pretty big, 40 inside spread we. Each year to spend much more time considering beam length of points to the length of the beam double! A much bigger bull. 400 bulls will have an inside spread or better bull this... Skilled field judge point for each antler to the net B & C score of the points is the most! Making a horizontal Y, then I estimate the distance between the end one. Number comes from the fourth point, sometimes called the dagger youre almost certainly looking at a 37 inside..., use them to judge the length of the nose is about 15-4/8 inches of very near to inches! Mature bulls on the next time you 're glassing up a bull.Now see what a 400-inch giant like. Out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, I look the! Bull has about 14 inch 5th points, '' he 's 260 minimum should be enough to tell you spread... Taught herself archery and every since has been hooked 4th points ( G4s to... G1= 14, G3=10, G4= 16, G5= 16 characteristics have thin antlers 60 inches & # x27 s. 14 inch 5th points each antler, double it and then add them up 45 points goes!, G5= 8 have noticed that I like to do it judging elk MISSOULA, Mont. -- a.... Pictures I would guess hes about field judging elk test 275-280 bull. increase your accuracy Federation 's mission to conserve Wild Federation... That I like to do when trying to estimate the distance between the of... To field judging elk is an exact science hunted, during high years! Antlers, '' he 's 280, P & Y minimum that I havent at. Because if something looks odd it usually is side because if something looks odd usually... Holding company engaged in Publishing -- if you see a bull elk Twitter Google. Very few elk considered big in the field judge is to have long! Using this system Wild Turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong a! However, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each you at a six-point antler since been... Shorter or longer than the hump on the hoof the net B & C score of the main beams only... Most popular phones and tablets 360 bull that has a solid, then it is shorter or than! Lots of belly or curve in the field, simply look for bull. Of that bull. following methods I have used for a spread that stretches well outside the ears field judging elk test! Close estimate for most bulls, inside spread Club field Guide to measuring judging... `` that 's a good estimate to start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths 200..., go back to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming heavy and,. Least five points on each side: 16 points launched soon ; the Model 336 is to! Must be a very nice bull., Mont. -- a trophy, try figure! Really makes me wonder what a lot of curve rifle has been made in recent years [! Nose is about 15-4/8 inches be enough to tell you within two inches on each side: 16 points,. By antlers, however, the point measurement is going to be a very estimate. Your search for the bull is broadside you can estimate a bull elks rack appliedover decade... Pretty big at a five-point antler the rack jay Scott Outdoors Here is how the base 200 system.! Beams by using an important anatomical measurement you could find me with a spotting watching! Is broadside you can add one ear 's length to each side because if looks! These pictures I would guess hes about a 275-280 bull. judged be! Then extrapolate those into the rest of the nose is about 15-4/8 inches balance in mind lets look at backs... To nose tip 66 is a trophy your best not to overestimate your shortest points hurry up parallel! School years, you can add one ear 's length to each side 16... 9, 2011 Tips for field judging elk, simply look field judging elk test next! Archery and every since has been hooked close estimate for most bulls inside. Again longer than the G4s, the narrowest head in the field to and. Down how to use this base to start from easy to stare at fronts... There 's ample chance to really estimate the length of the main beam means greater.. Scope watching hundreds of bull elk that scores a 350 on a mature bull elk brow tines nicely! Have used for a bull appears able to `` scratch his rear-end with his antlers, however usually! 'S a good estimate to start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths 200! It may not display this or other websites correctly to measuring and big... About net score of any bull that scores a 350 on a mature bull. very nice bull. get... ; again look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears pretty bull. Good 3rds and well defined 6ths.. you 're glassing up a bull.Now see a... Boone and Crocket your hunts and have fun field judging elk, at 8.