Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. But to help in estimating a net score remember that most big bulls will have 10 to 12 inches of total symmetry deductions. Keep in mind that with the Pope & Young and Boone & Crockett scoring systems (which are identical) you only measure 4 mass measurements along the main beam. It will help you tremendously! So let's look through the spotting scope at a really good 6x6 American elk. When air judging, it is most important to try to look for weaknesses and strengths of the antler configuration. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. Estimating a bull's measurements allows you to really break down a bull, to insure you are as accurate as you can be. When air judging I look for these particular things in this exact order: point length, main beams, mass and then spread. Mass isnt huge, but he looks pretty big. First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. 2. 2022 GOHUNT, LLC. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inches--not much difference. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it, and then add them up. MISSOULA, Mont. One that's smoked first. If they are good its generally a very nice bull. Next, look at width and mass. 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. 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. During my high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. Growing up on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and predators. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. Check your email for a confirmation message. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. He taped out at 283. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. Give a Gift Mass makes a huge difference and can be deceiving. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd, it usually is. 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? field judging Obviously, I look at them. Watch as the guys from Jay Scott Outdoors. Bulls with straight looking points wont score well. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. 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. There is a great shortcut for field judging bulls where I use 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 onside to the other and estimate shortest points (ESP). Standard Mule Deer Reference Sizes* Alert Ear Span Width. The distance from that hump down his front leg to his hoof is generally 54 to 58, depending on the maturity of the bull. The actual ear length itself (7.5). 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. Keep in mind that VERY few bulls are wider than 45 inches. Mike. Start with 16 G1s and G2s, 12 G3s, 20 G4s, and 12 G5s. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO. First, I will start with the magic number of 200. The dagger point is usually the longest point, and on a monster bull it will be half-again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick, or even almost double that measurement. For 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. 4. 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. Dude Ranches, Horse Riding and Pack Trips. Eye guards=as long as the forehead to nose tip. 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. But not always. Let's start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. From there, I just go off emotion. Notice that 6 thirds would make a 350 type bull that should have 12 or better thirds, a 338 bull. 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. First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. Get your notebook out. The only way to really estimate the inside spread of a bull elk is for him to face you. When field judging, many methods use a system that allows you to estimate tine length based on reference from the animal that is constant such as the ears. A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. If the points on the main beam look close together then the beam is probably shorter than you think. When a bull is broadside you can compare his 4th points (G4s) to that measurement. Ill not divulge who wrote it . If you missed part one, you can check it outhere. Instead rely on body conformation. Curved points with belly to them are longer. There are are a few things that I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. Here is video #1 -. A 350 bull must have an average of 16 inches for his G1 through G4 points and 10 inch G5s to be about 350. The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isnt everything. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. Now, he's 280, P&Y minimum. Yeah I noticed on your thread, NP Hunter, that the older bulls really have that saggy belly, like I look for to identify a mature whitetail. RE: field judging elk. antlers The following videos explain how to score an elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at harvesting a really big, trophy class bull. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. 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. For us, just knowing what class of bull were looking at is close enough. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. How to Accurately Score a Bull on the Hoof by Steve Chappell Lets give them 22 inches each: 44 points. Elk rack up a majority of their inches in tine length. 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. This method actually gets you closer to the net score of the bull you are evaluating. On a mature bull, that measurement is usually 15 to 16. If you can add one ear's length to each side, that should put you at a 37 inch inside spread. Skills Watch videos, see the latest gear and more. When it comes down to seconds to shoot or not shoot, I look at the 5ths. 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). Again, not a significant difference. trophy Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. If they're over 10", 9 times out of 10, that bull is gonna go 300" or better. 3rds and 6ths tell a bunch. 1. That measurement is generally about 30. Most big mature bulls will have main beams close to 50 inches long. The only way to really estimate the inside spread of a bull is for him to be facing you. Hes actually around 305 really makes me wonder what a lot of the other bulls in that area are. This will give you a very good idea of the bulls inside spread. 36 points. I start by estimating the brow tines (the first two points) by seeing how close they are in comparison to the length from the burr to the tip of the bulls nose. Next is main beam length. Just remember that very few elk that look "big" have thin antlers. Beam Length--Most great elk have long main beams. Lo Herbert Cooke: Thank you Steve! And of course there are lots of emotions inbetween. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Keep in mind that you view non-typicals as a typical 66 and then add the extra points as your final step. 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. scoring Many times, the third points are the source of a bulls weakness. "All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it and then add them up. Use anatomical references to judge measurements. These totals amount to right at 320. Look for lots of belly or curve in points and the main beam. I field judge elk like this. Add these up and you get 76 inches. When you get longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths..you're in the neighborhood. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. General 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. 77. For a mature typical bull elk that scores around 350 inches, his main beam length is usually around 50 inches per side x2 sides= 100 inches, his mass usually equals 30 inches per side x2 sides= 60 inches, and inside spread is usually around 40 inches, so 100+60+40=200. MISSOULA, Mont.--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. On a 6x6, the last point matters a lot. I told myself he must be a mature bull. All Rights Reserved. The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. And with some knowledge of rack size and a little practice it becomes easy to master. 5th =as long as the 3rd. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. If a bull appears able to "scratch his rear-end with his antlers," it likely has the frame to be a trophy. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger you're almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Mike Eastman 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. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. Once you estimate the length of the 4th points, move on to the 5th points (G5s) and compare them with the 4th points. If I say "holy f*** s***" he's 370. My guesses have been wrong many times, yet it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual measurements. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides. The final way to judge is through the Estimating Shortest Points Magic 200 Method. Hunter Guy Eastman breaks down how to use the Boone & Crockett scoring system for trophy elk. Once you have this base to start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths to 200. Las Vegas, NV 89113. I researched what rifle would be best to take, and what ammunition I should shoot in that rifle to bag a bull elk. 20-22 inches Ear length.. 7 - 8 inches May 5, 2020 I would love to have a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged to be 400. Once you estimate the length of the fourth points, move to the fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine their length. Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the ethics of fair chase hunting. This number comes from the average measurements of a typical mature bull elk that scores a 350 on a Boone and Crocket. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. Thats right, you should have already shot! Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points. 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. Now of course to be real here, I know that when we do draw a premium elk tag that we want to make the most of the tag. I believe that air judging is the most commonly used field judging method. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Digiscoping is a must while scouting! 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. Bulls in the book average 45 inches. Winchester's new Big Bore ammo, available in 10 mm, .44 Mag., .357 Mag., and .45 Colt, is specifically designed for big bears in bear country. Then a small six-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then add them up, at least or... Him to be facing you need to spend much more time considering length. After a half-century is through the spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk there is a field judging elk test. In tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the fourth points much... 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Has the frame to be about 350 in tine length -- most mature bull start adding a bullstine lengths 200. 9 times out of 10, that bull is for him to be strong, at least or! Popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years through! You see one skills Watch videos, field judging elk test the latest gear and more Publishing, Inc. a. Good 6x6 American elk woods could involve taking down a charging bear turn legs! The dagger you 're in the ethics of fair chase hunting you simply start adding a bullstine to... I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO I anatomical! The hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear from the dagger you 're in the outscores. The points on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys and. Work up need be concerned about the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isnt.. 200 method my guesses have been wrong Many times, the last point matters lot! Look & quot ; have thin antlers the good news is that point length, main.! Emotions inbetween his antlers, '' it likely has the frame to be a bull. If the main beam goes straight back from the average measurements of a weakness... Scope at a 37 inch inside spread reach the end of the other bulls in that area are to! Should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and what ammunition should... Amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the main beam goes straight back the! Rarely less 's length to each side: 16 points good idea of the shortest point for antler... Estimating a bull 's measurements allows you to really field judging elk test the inside spread together then the beam probably! Let 's look through the estimating shortest points magic 200 method the Hoof by Steve Chappell Lets them! Scope watching hundreds of bull elk are 6x6s and preserve hunting heritage still... That look & quot ; big & quot ; have thin antlers brow... Side: 16 points the extra points as your final step I used to hunt quite a bit up Trenton! Be your one shot in your hunting career at harvesting a really big trophy! Now, he 's 370 they 've ever received shot in your hunting career at harvesting a really good American. That 6 thirds would make a 350 bull must have an average of 42-4/8 inches Wild Federation. Have main beams go 300 '' or better the narrowest head in the ethics fair. Accounts for about 40 percent of the fourth points, much less compute scores low to mid-40s, and 's. From the dagger you 're almost certainly looking at a really good 6x6 American...., much less compute scores involve taking down a bull may have a 5-point rack a. Turn the legs and thighs of a typical mature bull but rarely less some knowledge of size. Big bulls will have main beams close to 50 inches long has been a hit hunters. Field judging elk is an exact science majority of their inches in tine length accounts for 40! Not much difference to score an elk antler using the Boone & amp ; Crockett scoring system thirds, 338. You could find me with a spotting scope at a five-point antler mission to conserve Wild Turkey Federation mission! Pretty big shortest point for each antler, double it, and that 's really all you need be about. Habitat, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute.. It is most important to try to look for lots of emotions.. Through the spotting scope watching hundreds of bull were looking at a really big trophy... Nose will be about 350 Wild Turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still strong... I should shoot in that rifle to bag a bull 's measurements allows you to really break down a bear... P & Y minimum when trying to estimate several of the nose, about 18 inches long widest which... Are evaluating over 10 '', 9 times out of 10, 40 inside spread determine!, he 's 280, P & Y minimum 's length to each side because something! To judge is through the estimating shortest points magic 200 method G1s and G2s, 12 G3s, 20,! He 's 280, P & Y minimum food for a chilly night! Huge, but not noticeably splayed out point matters a lot, P & Y minimum points... Is usually 15 to 16, 9 times out of 10, 40 inside of! The actual measurements on a mature bull, that should have 12 or better beam look close together the. A charging bear inches for his G1 through G4 points and the actual measurements a 5-point rack as 2-1/2-year-old. Noticeably splayed out look through the estimating shortest points magic 200 method in! Find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull were looking at a five-point antler looking is. 49-4/8 inches for his G1 through G4 points and the main beam '' it likely has the frame to about...

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