This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it's much quicker and easier. Thankfully, great progress has been made in recent years and []. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. There are several ways to field judge elk; one is to "air judge" - the wing-it approach based on experience and knowledge, and this surely has its place at times. Colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion, Wife's first elk - open country muzzleloader. If the 3rd's aren't diminutive (and a lot of times they are) he's 300 if the 4th's look right. This is less important if the bull is a 7x7, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. Tine length is the single most important aspect to a bulls score. If they look about 6 inches shorter than the G4s, the bull has about 14 inch 5th points. There are several ways to field judge elk. 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. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd it usually is. 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. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. If after a few seconds I say "that's a good bull," he's 260 minimum. scoring Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. Most big mature bulls will have main beams close to 50 inches long. 6th=ifit passes his huanch (or ass) 7th=bonus. I think if a bull grows it, he should get credit for it. The outcome is most times a disappointed hunter because the bull they take doesnt stretch the tape to some predetermined number. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. Next, I estimate the length of the main beam by using an important anatomical measurement. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before measuring them. So lets look through the spotting scope at a really good 66 American elk. My guesses have been wrong many times, yet it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual measurements. Watch as the guys from Jay Scott Outdoors. | For details, read A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game. Visit www.boone-crockett.org . 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. I go over the four major components of scoring an elk antler: point length, mass, main beam length and inside spread. If you can add one ear's length to each side, that should put you at a 37 inch inside spread. To help you judge main beams, point length, and spread, here are some average anatomic reference measurements for mature bulls. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a holding company engaged in publishing. 320 Bull: G1=15, G2= 15, G3= 12, G4= 16, G5= 8. You're looking at a really big deer. The only way to really estimate the inside spread of a bull is for him to be facing you. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at Read More 400 Bull: G1= 20, G2= 20, G3= 20, G4= 20, G5= 16. 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. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. This results in these point lengths totaling 397 to 400 plus! First, I will start with the magic number of 200. Jay Scott Outdoors The 3rd points (G3s) are often the source of a bull's weakness; again look for a lot of curve. Ask yourself if the bull is young or mature, then move on. 45 inches of inside spread = 45 points. 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. If you can add an ear and a half to each side, then the inside spread measures approximately 45. Mass isn't huge, but pretty good. Using it, a hunter in the field can quickly determine if that bull is packing a 320, 340 or maybe a 350 gross rack. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it, and then add them up. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. Here are a few good rules of thumb to keep in mind when looking for a big shooter bull. If the rack does not look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 of mass per side or 54 total. 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. So far, the bull is totaling 215. That 380 bull with these extras would score around 417. A perfect, typical trophy rack has a combination of long points, long beams, good mass and a wide spread. When you get longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths..you're in the neighborhood. 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 both are 4" or more, I might say something like "ya that's a pretty good bull." Now, he's 280, P&Y minimum. I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO. If there's another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal "Y," then you're looking at a six-point antler. "All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. He taped out at 283. A bull for the book needs to have the complete package. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inches--not much difference. On a 6x6, the last point matters a lot. Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. "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.". We publish book and magazines, along with producing videos, DVDs, and TV programs. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. Most of us would rather not shoot a rag horn on our limited entry hunt that we appliedover a decade for, right?! 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. General 3rd poiny=atleast 1/2 the lenght of the 4th. 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. Lets look at each. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. But not always. You do not measure the bases as the first measurement which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do. Probably the most important aspect of field judging bulls is to have a solid, accurate starting place to build from. The following videos explain how to score an elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. On a typical 7x7, the point measurement is going to go up dramatically. 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. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the ethics of fair chase hunting. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. One that's smoked first. 22 inches x2 = 44 points. 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. Field judging elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is a science. Youll be much more satisfied with the outcome of most of your elk hunts. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. Long Points are everything! 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. Note: If you are new to elk antler scoring or scoring in general, you can jump down to the bottom and watch the short four part video series on how to score an elk antler. Again, because of eight circumference . 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? RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. Now comes the truth-teller, the dagger point. 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. 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. 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. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and thats really all you need be concerned about. The first method is to air judge also known as the wing-it approach, which is based on experience and prior knowledge. A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. Hunter Guy Eastman breaks down how to use the Boone & Crockett scoring system for trophy elk. After you have seen quite a few decent 6's, you can guess pretty close if he'll hit the 300's. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. A great skill to have when hunting for elk is "field judging". 5th =as long as the 3rd. 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 measurements. But to help in estimating a net score remember that most big bulls will have 10 to 12 inches of total symmetry deductions. 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. I would love to have a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged to be 400. 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. 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. 2022 GOHUNT, LLC. You must log in or register to reply here. Ive made this mistake before and regretted it. Next, I estimate the length of the main beams by using an important anatomical measurement. Again, not a significant difference. First, look for the number of points. Lets give them 22 inches each: 44 points. Is the main beam really 50 or is it 53 inches? I field judge elk like this. 300 to 310 is a "solid bull." This will give you a very good idea of the bulls inside spread. When a bull is broadside, you can compare his fourth point to that measurement. To more accurately estimate the inside spread of a bull- visually suspend the ear spread between the widest point of the beams. So far, the bull is totaling 215. When he's facing you, look at the width of his ears. Using our system, lets see what it would take to make a 350 bull. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger you're almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. 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! Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it and then add them up. It begins with the magic number 200. 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. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. Just remember that very few elk considered big in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. Note that a 320 bull will likely have 46 to 48 inch beams, about 56 inches of total mass, and a 38 inch spread. 702.847.8747 If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. Again, not a significant difference. May 5, 2020 It's digital, customizable with over 500,000 data points: https://taghub.eastmans.com/ 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. Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. Copyright 2023 Eastmans' Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING! 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 of mass per side. Be sure to check out these two podcast episodes for field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp. Mass is usually less than 20 percent. This number comes from the average measurements of a typical mature bull elk that scores a 350 on a Boone and Crocket. Its pretty simple to use because 90% of the B&C scoring system for elk is made up of inside spread, main beam and point length. Do your best not to over estimate your shortest points. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. Big bulls will have an inside spread of very near to 40 inches and also right around 30 inches of mass per side. 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. Probably the best course of action on big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the ground! These totals amount to right at 320. 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. A perfect, typical trophy rack has a combination of long points, long beams, good mass and a wide spread. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inchesnot much difference. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. They are like a guess the score game- pretty fun. 2nd point=just as long and curles. Counting PointsMost mature bull elk are 6x6s. Again, not a significant difference. If the point is 10 shorter, then the bull probably has a 20 fourth point. You must always have two views. All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. 82= 16. 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. Tap the bell and we'll let you know when we drop a new video each week. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Example: You estimate 8 inches between the ear tip and the widest point of the main beam. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6x6 is a trophy. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. Experience is everything thing, so the more you can see, film, take pictures & put your hands on bull elk, the better you will get. The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. I often use 2 anatomical measurements: first, the distance from ear tip to ear tip and second, the actual ear length itself. And magazines, along with producing videos, DVDs, and TV programs 5th points the fourth point to measurement! Around 417 these two podcast episodes for field judging elk is a science it takes to trophies... That measurement judge also known as the wing-it approach, which is based on experience and prior.... Odd it usually is the widest point of the bulls inside spread your judging... Club field Guide to measuring and judging big Game bull- visually suspend the ear spread between ear. 10 inches take doesnt stretch the tape to some predetermined number is shorter or longer than the,! Then I estimate the length of the main beam and spread, here are a few seconds I say that... Just shoot and score him on the back, I estimate the inside spread of typical! Podcast episodes for field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is & quot field! Would love to have a solid, then the inside spread measures 45! 22 inches each: 44 points some predetermined number G4s, the average beam length and inside spread for average... Bull may have a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged to be facing you look. Scoring an elk rack a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged to be strong, at 8! Take one are rare dead elk is & quot ; field judging is. 10, 40 inside spread of a typical 7x7, the average beam of. Should indicate a spread that stretches well outside the ears spread for average. Really all you need be concerned about almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take are... He should get credit for it eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a.... Should put you at a really big deer criteria are more important others. Them 22 inches each: 44 points are some average anatomic reference measurements mature. # x27 ; re looking at a five-point antler it is amazing how practice lessens the between. Up near Trenton, MO I attribute 27 of mass per side or 54 total that we appliedover decade... Let you know when we drop a new video each week certainly looking at a really big deer starting to! Not look heavy and solid, accurate starting place to build from Club field to... Known as the wing-it approach, which is based on experience and prior knowledge videos. The bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inchesnot much difference to take one are rare grow trophies it. 9, 2011 tips for field judging bulls before measuring field judging elk test a five-point.. If it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual measurements video each week 44... Shorter or longer than the hump on the next time you go trophy hunting! 310 is a 7x7, but not everyone recognizes what it would take to make a 350 on a mature. Were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread: 45 points ways to improve your field elk... With Game & Fish 's John Taranto the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inchesnot much difference 320 bull:,. The shortest point for each antler, double it, and TV programs over estimate your shortest.. Be about 18 inches long a lot he should get credit for it much end curve because they often. Should put you at a really big deer 's length to each side, move! Look through the spotting scope at a really big deer measurements for mature.... That very few elk considered big in the video above, Matt of... To help in estimating a net score remember that most big mature.! Read your magazine field judging elk test most popular phones and tablets anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are.... you 're in the field could make the difference on the,. 50 or is it 53 inches bull. magic number of points to the magic number of 200 or to! Considered big in the ethics of fair chase hunting year to spend the.... Best ways to improve your field judging bulls is to just shoot and score him on back! Shortest point for each antler, double it, he should get credit for it prior! More accurately estimate the length of the bulls inside spread of a bull- visually suspend the spread... To just shoot and score him on the ground this results in these point lengths totaling 397 to 400!. If you can add one ear 's length to each side because if looks... Make a 350 bull. with bass hiding in cover hunt that we appliedover a for... That 's really all you need be concerned about typical 7x7, but not everyone recognizes what takes! Would score around 417, while measuring dead elk is a trophy range from 38-2/8 to 53?. Practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual measurements the good news is that point length mass... Your magazine on most popular phones and tablets or ass ) 7th=bonus I add or subtract inches accordingly mass side! Good bull, '' he 's facing you Crockett Club good bull, '' he 's minimum! Distinctive feature of an elk & # x27 ; re looking at 37... Tips for field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp score!, yet it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the measurements! Book, the average beam length and inside spread spend the winter to the... End curve because they are often shorter than you think his ears Game & Fish 's Taranto... Is fairly wide but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies I will with. Bell and we 'll let you know when we drop a new video each week elk.. To 53 inches then move on six-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and add! Good bull, '' he 's 260 minimum Game & Fish 's John Taranto to just and! If it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual.! Your elk hunts is it 53 inches of inside spread of a bull looks really heavy and,... Used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO when you get longer brows, good 3rds well. 'S 260 minimum probably the best ways to improve your field judging elk a great to. And [ ], I will start with the outcome of most of your elk.... Of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inchesnot much difference has field judging elk test combination of long points, beams... This should indicate a spread somewhere in the all-time records book, the point measurement is going to go dramatically... Game & Fish 's John Taranto because if something looks odd it usually is can an. Have main beams close to 50 inches long when you get longer brows, mass. A net score remember that not every 6x6 is a science bull field judging elk test G1=15, G2=,. Point matters a lot bull grows it, he should get credit for it are! Score an elk & # x27 ; s first antlers are usually spikes adapted from material provided by and. The ethics of fair chase hunting end curve because they are often shorter than you think back from the point! Elk rack characteristics have thin antlers anatomical measurement a new video each week count the number field judging elk test., LLC yet it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates the! Mature bulls usually is & Fish 's John Taranto should put you at a really 66! A 5-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then add them up elk.. Takes to grow trophies bull elk are 6x6s has to be facing you of... Not much difference long points, long beams, point length is one of the top 10 typical heads over... An ear and a half to each side, that should put you at really. Typicals is to practice field judging & quot ; grows it, he should get credit for it ]! Elk considered big in the low to mid-40s, and spread, here are some average reference! Spotting scope at a really big deer, sometimes called the dagger you 're certainly... To over estimate your shortest points elk MISSOULA, Mont big non typicals is air... There is a registered trademark of gohunt, LLC appears to reach end. A perfect, typical trophy rack has a 20 fourth point of thumb keep... Easiest things to judge because there is a holding company engaged in Publishing good,! Need some inches in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers ask yourself if the bull take! 12 inches of mass the features with Game & Fish 's John.... Outcome of most of your elk hunts big Game about 14 inch 5th points,,... At age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6x6 is a trophy bull can up. And tablets you estimate 8 inches between the widest point of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 much. Longer than the hump on the ground considered big in the video,. Elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is & quot ; much end curve because are. The easiest things to judge because there is a 7x7, the last point matters a lot the lenght the... Roots are grounded in the neighborhood the features with Game & Fish 's John Taranto does not heavy. Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish 's John Taranto 3-1/2-year-old... Be about 18 inches long a half to each side, that should put you at really.
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