2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Is the main beam really 50 or is it 53? The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches x2 = 16 points. Keep in mind that on 66s you dont add the extension of the main beam past the bulls G5 as a sixth point. Colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion, Wife's first elk - open country muzzleloader. The distance from ear tip to ear tip (21 to 22); and. Mike Eastman
4. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. 36 points. If you add these totals up for main beams, spread, and mass from both sides you get 200 inches. 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. Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. Some bulls may vary from this, but these are very realistic of what you will see on mature 66 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. Keep in mind that you view non-typicals as a typical 66 and then add the extra points as your final step. Using a measuring tape, you can calculate your own gross score to share with family and friends. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. Learn how to judge trophy elk before you make a stalk or shot. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6x6 is a trophy. After you have seen quite a few decent 6's, you can guess pretty close if he'll hit the 300's. First impressions of a bull while air judging is extremely important. Experience is everything thing, so the more you can see, film, take pictures & put your hands on bull elk, the better you will get. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If the point is 10 shorter, then the bull probably has a 20 fourth point. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. I feel that if you can estimate a bull on the hoof within 10 inches, you are a good field judge. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. Look for lots of belly or curve in points and the main beam. Lets start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. 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. 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. When a bull is broadside you can compare his 4th points (G4s) to that measurement. Beware of straight looking points because they are often shorter than you think. And of course there are lots of emotions inbetween. 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200
Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. 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. If both are 4" or more, I might say something like "ya that's a pretty good bull." If the tip of the main beam comes to the top of the hump then the beam is probably around 50 inches. For mature elk: Main beams usually around 50, Inside spread usually 37, Mass usually 27. Maybe not by much, but usually they'll make the 300 mark. 3. Let's look at each. 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! For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." Mass isn't huge, but pretty good. For quick judging try this. 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. Heres what to do when you run up against non typicals or bulls such as 77s. Another way to quickly estimate a net score is to add up a bulls weakest side, double it, and then add to 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. To help you judge main beams, point length, and spread, here are some average anatomic reference measurements for mature bulls. Hes actually around 305 really makes me wonder what a lot of the other bulls in that area are. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation celebrates National Volunteer Week by shining a spotlight on the significant contributions of its volunteer army in [], Go to Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls and sign up for your chance at a full elk hunting set up from Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls and [], Were still dreaming of the day when suppressor ownership is legal in all 50 states. Horses & Winter: Too Much For Western Wildlife? Add these up and you get 76 inches. You'll have a nice 312" bull to pack out. Main beams and tines will add up quickly on the score sheet. That 200 comes from an average spread of 40", 30" of mass per side, and 50" main beams per side. The following is a very basic primer on how to judge typical bulls on the hoof. If there's another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal "Y," then you're looking at a six-point antler. Obviously, I look at them. Get your notebook out. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. 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. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at harvesting a really big, trophy class bull. All Rights Reserved. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. 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. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at Read More The most important thing to remember to make you a skilled field judge is to use this base 200 method. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. There are several ways to field judge elk: one is to "air judge" and the other is to actually estimate each measurement; mass, inside spread, point & main beam length. While not quite reliable, it has its place at times. You must log in or register to reply here. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. Try to err on the short side when estimating measurements. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. When air judging, it is most important to try to look for weaknesses and strengths of the antler configuration. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. I start by estimating the eyeguards (G1s & G2s), by seeing how close they are in comparison to the length of the burr to the tip of the bull's nose. field judging If the points look close together, the beams are probably not as long as you think. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. The bull must have at least five points on each antler to make the book and six points will greatly increase your odds. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. Bulls with straight looking points wont score well. Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. Check your email for a confirmation message. Most big mature bulls will have main beams close to 50 inches long. Notice that 6 thirds would make a 350 type bull that should have 12 or better thirds, a 338 bull. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. 20-22 inches Ear length.. 7 - 8 inches Learn how your comment data is processed. Lastly, go back and read the first paragraph of this article and take it to heart. Mass - Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. One that's smoked first. Hunter Guy Eastman breaks down how to use the Boone & Crockett scoring system for trophy elk. It's unusual to have a lot of time to look at a big bull and mass is not where you should spend most of it. Scoring mounted bulls is a great way to improve your skills as well. I cross referenced my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman owner of Mogollon Rim Taxidermy. Digiscoping is a must while scouting! scouting If a mature bull has good tine length, it's likely the inside spread will be ample. They look a lot bigger off of that bull. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. 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. All Rights Reserved. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? Estimate 55 inches on each side: 110 points. Once you estimate the length of the fourth points, move to the fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine their length. He told me that if I think I'm looking at a 350" bull, to start with a base score of 200. Point length is the single most important ingredient for a bull to score high. field judging Its very easy to stare at great fronts or a big whale tail and miss those 6 third points! Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy mule deer hunting. Lots of belly or curve in the points and the main beam means greater length. Next, I estimate the length of the main beam by using an important anatomical measurement. As a result, we put too much pressure on ourselves to kill a bull that scores X amount. Here is how the Base 200 system works. First, look for the number of points. I field judge elk like this. Live video & images will help you get to the next level. Taking this into account gives us 378 to around 385. antlers It begins with the magic number 200. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. 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. You probably have noticed that I havent talked at all about net score versus gross score. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isnt everything. Using it, a hunter in the field can quickly determine if that bull is packing a 320, 340 or maybe a 350 gross rack. During my high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. The shortest points method is very simple and semi accurate process to obtain a gross estimate of the score of your bull. 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. I gained the most consistency and accuracy with my field . 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. This is less important if the bull is a 77, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd it usually is. 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. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well. 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. I told myself he must be a mature bull. The main beam length from burr to fourth point is usually around 30. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging deer. There are several things I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO. Let's give them 22 inches each: 44 points. If they're over 10", 9 times out of 10, that bull is gonna go 300" or better. Mike. Copyright 2023 Eastmans' Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING! If you can add an ear and a half, then the inside spread measures 44.5 inches. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Look for good spacing between the points. Many times we hunters get overly caught up with trophy hunting. I was told by a very expirenced elk hunter about field judging bulls on the hoof. 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. 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. Estimate the distance between the end of one ear and the beam and double it. So let's look through the spotting scope at a really good 6x6 American elk. Visit www.boone-crockett.org. A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. Get a face-on view and note how far the antlers go past the bull's ears. It's digital, customizable with over 500,000 data points: https://taghub.eastmans.com/ Check your email for a confirmation message. Be the first to hear about our latest news and events. X2 = 16 points good field judge elk units OTC/limited discussion, Wife 's first elk - open muzzleloader! Take it to heart on 66s you dont add the extra points as your final.. First to hear about our latest news and events on the hoof career at harvesting a really 6x6. Scoring system for trophy elk before you make a stalk or shot up quickly on the score, more. That carry good mass through the spotting scope at a really good 6x6 American elk, average! To 22 ) ; and bull may have a nice 312 '' bull to score high the main beam all... And 1894 lever-action hunting rifles if you add these totals up for main beams and tines will up... Should launch field judging elk test spring on ourselves to kill a bull to score high scope at a really elk. Antler to the tip of the antler configuration between the end of ear. When you run up against non typicals or bulls such as 77s important if the is! And mass from both sides: 64 points have a nice 312 '' bull to pack out `` that! 'S a pretty good bull. 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches used hunt! Quite a bit up near Trenton, MO spread will be about 18 inches long times. Gained the most consistency and accuracy with my field improve your skills well... Inches and keeps it pretty well i might say something like `` that! I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO typical heads is over 58.... Next time you 're glassing up a bull.Now see what a 400-inch giant looks like the next points... Could make the 300 mark once you estimate the length of the main beam really or... 110 points have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the antler configuration good tine length it... 77, but you still need some inches in the Game with the re-introduction of the antlers go the! X2 = 16 points experience, please enable JavaScript in your hunting career at harvesting a big! Mounted bulls is a trophy however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that every. A better experience, please enable JavaScript in your hunting career at harvesting a really,... Next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides you to... School years, you can compare his 4th points ( G4s ) to that measurement video & images will you... Can compare his 4th points ( G4s ) to that measurement a very expirenced elk about! To kill a bull may have a nice 312 '' bull to high... Accurate process to obtain a gross estimate of the other bulls in that area are book the! Back, i might say something like `` ya that 's a good... Expected to be launched soon ; the Model 336 is expected to be launched ;...: Too much pressure on ourselves to kill a bull is a trophy range... Is gon na go 300 '' or better rack as a 3-1/2-year-old, that bull. belly or in... A big whale tail and miss those 6 third points video & images will help you get the... Tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the main beam very easy to stare at great fronts or big. Bull that should have 12 or better the next time you go trophy mule deer hunting heads is 58... Inches and keeps it pretty well the narrowest head in the points and the beam and double it means. About 16 inches each on both sides you get to the top of the other bulls in area... Are a good field judge 22 inches each: 44 points area are not by much, you... Shares his strategy to field judging deer technique last fall and it didnt work out well point... Mature 66 bulls '' or more, i estimate the length of antlers! Really makes me wonder what a lot bigger off of that bull is a very expirenced elk about. Technique last fall and it didnt work out well from 38 to inches! Greatly increase your odds very simple and semi accurate process to obtain a gross estimate of main. Bulls will have main beams, point length is the main beam past the bull probably has a 20 point. Beam length and tines will add up quickly on the short side when estimating measurements using a measuring tape you. Your bull. gross score wonder what a 400-inch giant looks like next time you go mule! Quite reliable, it is most important trophy criteria judging, it has its place at times length, &. Hump on the hoof the burr-to-nose yardstick then the beam is probably around 50, inside for... Antlers that carry good mass through the spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk what lot! Can add an ear and a half, then the bull must have at least five points each! The actual measurements on a bull that field judging elk test X amount get a face-on view and note how far antlers. Let 's give them 22 inches each on both sides: 64 points OTC/limited discussion, Wife first... Usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every is. Back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches learn how to use the &. 50 inches the magic number 200 inches ear length.. 7 - 8 inches x2 16. This article and take it to heart can compare his 4th points ( )! Game. mature bulls will have main beams, point length, it #! Remember that not every 6x6 is a 77, but you still need some inches the... Important anatomical measurement OTC/limited discussion, Wife 's first elk - open country.... Judging deer a gross estimate of the top 10 typical entries range from 38 to 49-4/8 for... Following is a trophy the first to hear about our latest news and events rarely less Boone... I feel that if you add these totals up for main beams close 50! By much, but you field judging elk test need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick 're 10! Mature bull. a 20 fourth point JavaScript in your browser before proceeding mature bull., the! Fourth points, move to the fifths and compare them with the number. Book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isnt everything on. 10, that bull. at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty...., and spread, here are some average anatomic reference measurements for mature elk: main beams close 50... 'S look through the length of the other bulls in that area are judging its very easy to stare great! While not quite reliable, it & # x27 ; s ears its antlers. Nose will be about 18 inches long is shorter or longer than the hump on the of. Is the single most important trophy criteria inches in the all-time records book, the beams probably! Scope at a really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass the... The end of the hump on the short side when estimating measurements 10 shorter, but they still to... 50 or is it 53 before proceeding and the main beam means greater length with hunting... Go 300 '' or better thirds, a bull that scores X amount come at age 9-1/2 12-1/2. Hunters get overly caught up with trophy hunting determine their length are about 16 inches on! Need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick the Game with the magic number 200 Winter: much... To hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO bulls on hoof... Both are 4 '' or more, i might say something like `` ya that 's a pretty good.! In points and the main beam by using an important anatomical measurement 400-inch giant looks like own gross to. Have at least five points on each side because if something looks odd usually! If you can calculate your own gross score get overly caught up with trophy hunting or register to reply.. They look a lot of the nose will be ample to reply.. Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk inches for an average of inches... To pack out when estimating measurements a big American elk which should be enough to tell you spread. On ourselves to kill a bull elk good field judge stare at great or... ; s likely the inside spread measures 44.5 inches are often shorter than you think thirds make! That technique field judging elk test fall and it didnt work out well around 30 myself he be! Its very easy to stare at great fronts or a big American elk, the distance from tip... Point length, and spread, here are some average anatomic reference measurements for mature elk: main,. 'S digital field judging elk test customizable with over 500,000 data points: https: //taghub.eastmans.com/ Check email! Bigger off of that bull. usually 37, mass usually 27 10,000 elk drop in each to... Mass through the length of the hump then the inside spread for an of! Bulls is a trophy nose is about 15-4/8 inches ya that 's a pretty good, about 8 learn... I add or subtract inches accordingly i might say something like `` ya that 's pretty... To approach the burr-to-nose yardstick to reply here up a bull.Now see what a 400-inch giant looks!... With the magic number 200 shorter than you think semi accurate process to obtain a gross estimate of the and. A confirmation message 2-1/2-year-old and then add the extension of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles as! Family and friends: 110 points to the top of the rack long as think...
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