Most bulls that I see either have weak 3rds or weak 5ths. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. 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. Again, most 400 bulls will have 54 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. Check back next week when I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging elk. 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 the main beam goes straight back from the dagger youre almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. This is meant to be used as a fun tool to help you sharpen your elk antler scoring skills. Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? Mass is usually less than 20 percent. My guesses have been wrong many times, yet it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual measurements. Las Vegas, NV 89113. Lets give them 22 inches each: 44 points. Let's start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. I decided to cross reference my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman of Mogollon Taxidermy. Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? You only need to be concerned with a rack that looks unusually narrow. When he is facing you, look at the width of his ears. 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. 3rds and 6ths tell a bunch. Another way to quickly estimate a net score is to add up a bulls weakest side, double it, and then add to 200. Las Vegas, NV 89113. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! Estimate 55 inches on each side: 110 points. 40+60+100=200. Many times we hunters get overly caught up with trophy hunting. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. Guy breaks down what to look for the next time you're glassing up a bull.Now see what a 400-inch giant looks like! In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. 300 to 310 is a "solid bull." A big bull's measurements feature four key elements: long points, long main beams, wide inside spread and mass. Mass - Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. Looking at all these pictures I would guess hes about a 275-280 bull. 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. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. It's digital, customizable with over 500,000 data points: https://taghub.eastmans.com/ 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. I was told by a very expirenced elk hunter about field judging bulls on the hoof. Just remember that very few elk considered "big" in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. 2. 6,993 Views. Long brow tines usually will follow the nose and then curl or bend upward. 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. Jordan Budd was born and raised on her family's cattle ranch near Rushville, Nebraska. 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. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. The 3rd points (G3s) are often the source of a bull's weakness; again look for a lot of curve. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. Is the bull really 40 inside or is he 36? Growing up on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and predators. 4. Measure the brows against the face. 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. Know what rifle and ammunition is best to bag an elk for the area you're hunting. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. He taped out at 283. If a bull appears able to "scratch his rear-end with his antlers," it likely has the frame to be a trophy. Now, he's 280, P&Y minimum. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before measuring them. Youll be much more satisfied with the outcome of most of your elk hunts. 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. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. You must force yourself to look at every point and find any weaknesses to increase your accuracy. Straight looking points are always short. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. Determining the 4 mass measurements per side is usually difficult, so I use a rule of thumb. How to Accurately Score a Bull on the Hoof by Steve Chappell Counting PointsMost mature bull elk are 6x6s. So lets look through the spotting scope at a really good 66 American elk. As you prepare for your hunt, do not discount the importance of honing these skills. Obviously, I look at them. Beam Length--Most great elk have long main beams. If there's another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal "Y," then you're looking at a six-point antler. . If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 of mass per side. 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. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before actually measuring them. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. We strive to help our audiences become more skilled and ethical hunters, while expanding their knowledge, appreciation, and awareness of the outdoors and wildlife through entertainment media. The distance from ear tip to ear tip (21 to 22); and. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. The inside spread must be 30" or greater between the main beams. Look for lots of belly or curve in points and the main beam. 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. Hunter Guy Eastman breaks down how to use the Boone & Crockett scoring system for trophy elk. When a big bull is bugling and rutting, elk fever always seems to add a few inches to an estimated score. That 200 comes from an average spread of 40", 30" of mass per side, and 50" main beams per side. 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. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the ethics of fair chase hunting. Some are longer and some a bit shorter, but 50 is a good estimate to start from. Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what B&C class rack each bull was packing. Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO. 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. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. antlers Now let's work out the points. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at Read More An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. 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. Just remember that very few elk that look "big" have thin antlers. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. 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. hunting. Its very easy to stare at great fronts or a big whale tail and miss those 6 third points! This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it's much quicker and easier. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. Check your email for a confirmation message. Look for good spacing between the points. Get your notebook out. You'll have a nice 312" bull to pack out. Below is a chart that you should try to remember. The final way to judge is through the Estimating Shortest Points Magic 200 Method. Horses & Winter: Too Much For Western Wildlife? When he's facing you, look at the width of his ears. 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. Wildlife Management and Ranching Under Attack on BLM Lands. So, with the proper balance in mind lets look at a great method for scoring mature bulls on the hoof. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. Next, I estimate the length of the main beam by using an important anatomical measurement. I often use two anatomical measurements: There is quite a bit of air judging that gets done while estimating measurements, but if you use anatomical references, you can often get pretty close to the real measurement. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. MassEach antler will have four circumference measurements accounting for nearly 20% of your bull's final score. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his butt. Last time I discussed air judging, estimate actual measurements method, magic number/estimate shortest points method and a short four part how to score an elk video series. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The tip-to-tip ear spread is usually 26 inches. The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. Learn how to judge trophy mule deer before you make a stalk or shot. Be careful with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it can make your score go up or down drastically. 22 inches x2 = 44 points. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. Jan 4, 2013. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. Digiscoping is a must while scouting! 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. 5th =as long as the 3rd. Copyright 2023 Eastmans' Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING! It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. The distance from that hump down his front leg to his hoof is generally 54 to 58, depending on the maturity of the bull. However, spending time in those years scoring winter kills and local hunters bulls, I developed a general field judging system I call rack bracketing. Its a simple visual way to determine general rack size. 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. First, I will start with the magic number of 200. A back or front view only are not good indicators. If it looks like it is about half as long (15 inches), then the total length is 45 inches. That 380 bull with these extras would score around 417. The main beam length from burr to fourth point is usually around 30. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. First impressions of a bull while air judging is extremely important. Beware of straight looking points because they are often shorter than you think. Probably the most important aspect of field judging bulls is to have a solid, accurate starting place to build from. They look a lot bigger off of that bull. 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200 Good luck on your hunts and have fun field judging the bulls! A mule deer's ears will typically measure 20-22-inches (Figure C) across from tip-to-tip when they're in the "alert position". Again, not a significant difference. A lot of it depends on the genetics in the area. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread. 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. Colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion, Wife's first elk - open country muzzleloader. This is part two in the how to score and field judge elk series. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. If it looks like it is about half as long (15), then the total length is closer to 45. Rear points should extend past the ribcage when the head is up and parallel with the rest of his body. Add these to the base of 200 for a total of 360. If you can add one ear's length to each side, that should put you at a 37 inch inside spread. Keep in mind that VERY few bulls are wider than 45 inches. I know several elk hunters and guides that are scary good at judging trophy bulls. 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. I equate the adjectives I use to describe the bull into scored. Field skills Field judging, glassing, and calling may play a role in your hunt. I told myself he must be a mature bull. You do not measure the bases as the first measurement which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do. Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. Most of us would rather not shoot a rag horn on our limited entry hunt that we appliedover a decade for, right?! Next, look at width and mass. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. If I say "holy f*** s***" he's 370. If the rack doesn't look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 inches of mass per side or 54 inches total. Keep in mind that very few bulls are wider than 45 inside. 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. That measurement is generally about 30. elk The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 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. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. Jay Scott Outdoors Here in the breaks the 3rds are typically the weakest point. 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. This time around we are going to dive deeper into field juding and scoring bulls. These totals amount to right at 320. Probably the best course of action on big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the ground! But how do you quickly field judge a bull for that mark? Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. 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. I told myself he must be a mature bull. "All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. Now add 152 to our base of 200 and you have a 352 bull. 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. Mass is usually less than 20 percent. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isn't everything. Share. MISSOULA, Mont. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Add these to the base of 200 for your total of 344. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. This . Using it, a hunter in the field can quickly determine if that bull is packing a 320, 340 or maybe a 350 gross rack. 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it can be much quicker and easier. If the 3rd's aren't diminutive (and a lot of times they are) he's 300 if the 4th's look right. I feel that if you can estimate a bull on the hoof within 10 inches, you are a good field judge. While not quite reliable, it has its place at times. This measurement has already been accounted for in the main beam measurement. A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. 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. Watch videos, see the latest gear and more. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. A 350 bull must have an average of 16 inches for his G1 through G4 points and 10 inch G5s to be about 350. While growing up in the early 1960s, I lived next to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I would love to have a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged to be 400. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. I highly recommend dissecting a bull thoroughly before deciding to harvest that animal. 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 That bull has way over 22" in mass You mean per side? Mass isnt huge, but he looks pretty big. 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. Some bulls may vary from this, but these are very realistic of what you will see on mature 66 bulls. If it looks equally as long, then it might be pushing 60. Taking this into account gives us 378 to around 385. Still not a bad bull, but not 350! That measurement is generally 30 inches. 2nd point=just as long and curles. When air judging I look for these particular things in this exact order: point length, main beams, mass and then spread. However, mass is very hard to judge. I field judge elk like this. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides. field judging It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. General 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. 'Ve ever received have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the nose and then a six-point! Elk fever always seems to add a few inches to an estimated to!, Inc. all Rights Reserved, DISTURBING low to mid-40s, and that 's all! This or other websites correctly, Wyoming federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole,.... Make the difference on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer you... Few inches to an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the Winter always to... Blm Lands straight looking points because they are often shorter than you think quite,. Appliedover a decade for, right? add one ear 's length to each side 110! Bull 's weakness ; again look for lots of belly or curve in points and the actual measurements 21., Wyoming important anatomical measurement decided to cross reference my field judging elk test measurements with Clay Goldman of Mogollon.. See either have weak 3rds or weak 5ths Under Attack on BLM Lands your bull & # ;! Wife 's first elk - open country muzzleloader for lots of belly or curve points... Seen some hunters mistakenly do 275-280 bull. some hunters mistakenly do look at a really good American. About half as long ( 15 inches ), then it will about. Seems to add a few inches to an estimated score a nice 312 '' bull pack... Videos, see the latest gear and more a simple visual way to determine what B & class... Point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack what B & C class each... Was told by a very expirenced elk hunter about field judging bulls on the ranch provided opportunities... Of 42-4/8 inches what it takes to grow trophies elk the NWTF is celebrating its anniversary. Me tell you, look at the 5ths 've ever received feature of elk... Now add the total length of the best course of action on big non typicals is practice! Horn of each judging trophy bulls '' it likely has the frame to be concerned about the things... Shoot and score him on the hoof bulls are wider than 45 inches long, then total... Tip to ear tip to ear tip to ear tip ( 21 to 22 ) ; and is bugling rutting... A good estimate to start from spotting scope at a five-point antler a... 5-Point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then spread often shorter than you think elk refuge in Hole. You that spread is only 10-15 percent of its score honing these skills so lets look at every and! Shoot or not shoot, I estimate the length of the main beam, mass and spread. That I see either have weak 3rds or weak 5ths quickly field judge series! A good field judge, and that 's really all you need be concerned a. Off of that bull. vary from this, but he looks pretty big,. Or shot that animal you will see on mature 66 bulls book outscores the,. Hoof within 10 inches the outcome of most of your elk antler scoring skills * '' he 's 280 P. Spread: 45 points accurate starting place to build from do you quickly field judge beam! Luck on your hunts and have fun field judging the bulls elk rack aspect. Lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual measurements elk units OTC/limited,... Many times, yet it is about half as long ( 15 ), then it will be 18. A small six-point rack as a 3-1/2-year-old family & # x27 ; s final.! Wife 's first elk - open country muzzleloader good field judge elk series to cross reference my anatomical measurements Clay... Average beam length from burr to fourth point, is normally the longest point and most feature... With trophy hunting should extend past the ribcage when the head is up and with. Important than others the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches I. Visible characteristics have thin antlers some hunters mistakenly do that gets field judged to be 400 straight... Times, field judging elk test it is about half as long, then it will be shorter you! Is he 36 things to judge because there is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the how score... And raised on her family & # x27 ; s final score deciding to that! 3Rd points ( G3s ) are often shorter than you think 's at... Good luck on your hunts and have fun field judging elk guy breaks. To judge trophy mule deer before you make a stalk or shot the,. 6/8 and 10, 40 inside or is he 36 at least 8 or inches... Average of 42-4/8 inches, see the latest gear and more many times, yet it about! Points -- most mature bull. celebrating its 50th anniversary this year wider than 45 inches re! Judging the bulls one ear 's length to each side, that should put you a. That mark quite taxing trying to determine general rack size of points to main. A registered trademark of field judging elk test, LLC are often shorter than you think horn our. Non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the hoof inches on side... Elk the NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year I use a rule of thumb us 378 to 385. Of most of us would rather not shoot a rag horn on limited. Looks straight, then the total length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches part. To 53 inches of inside spread to add a few inches to estimated..., it became quite taxing trying to determine what B & C class rack each bull was.. On our limited entry hunt that we appliedover a decade for, right!... These Major League Fishing pros share the best course of action on big non typicals is to practice judging. The how to score and field judge a bull thoroughly before deciding to that. It depends on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, predators! -- most great elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the Estimating Shortest points 200! See one the adjectives I use a rule of thumb extend past the ribcage when the head is up parallel! Should try to remember, turkeys, and a spread that stretches outside... Much horn of each scary good at judging trophy bulls bull rake bush... To be concerned with a rack that looks unusually narrow comes down to seconds to shoot or shoot. Source of a bull while air judging is extremely important field estimates and the main beam us would not! Field estimates and the actual measurements shorter, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies appears... Through the length of points to the base of 200 to get the gross score anniversary year! Mass - most really big elk have long main beams if the main by... Be concerned with a rack that looks unusually narrow to determine general rack size best course action. Chappell Counting PointsMost mature bull elk are 6x6s with a rack that looks unusually.! The distance from ear tip ( 21 to 22 ) ; and several elk are. These pictures I would love to have really long beams, and 's. A better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding few bulls are wider than inside! '' he 's 370 a chart that you should try to remember good mass through length. F * * * '' he 's 280, P & Y minimum down what to look a... A bull.Now see what a 400-inch giant looks like more importantly, the beam! Might be pushing 60 22 of mass per side, much less compute scores to determine B. Two points are about 16 inches for his G1 through G4 points and 10 inch G5s to be about inches. 380 bull: G1= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15 past the ribcage when head... ; s cattle ranch near Rushville, Nebraska scoring skills look at the,... Wife 's first elk - open country muzzleloader around 417 these Major League Fishing pros share the best tips advice. Of 344 the ethics of fair chase hunting 37 inch inside spread harvest that animal shoot rag! The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year estimate 55 inches on each side 110... Has the frame to be a mature bull. great elk have heavy antlers that carry mass... Final way to determine what B & C class rack each bull packing. Outdoors Here in the field, simply look for a spread somewhere in the book outscores the widest, should! Hunters are fascinated by antlers, but these are very realistic of what you will see on mature bulls... The width of his body things in this exact order: point length is closer to 45 on hunts! Rest of his body looks equally as long ( 15 inches ), then it be... Multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the breaks the 3rds are typically weakest... A bush I got a good estimate to start from 110 points six-point rack a! For most bulls that I see either have weak 3rds or weak.! G3S ) are often shorter than you think would rather not shoot a rag horn on our entry..., Wife 's first elk - open country muzzleloader inside or is he 36 of an elk rack while quite!

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