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. Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? Obviously, I look at them. This will give you a very good idea of the bulls inside spread. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. I feel that if you can estimate a bull on the hoof within 10 inches, you are a good field judge. field judging If they are good its generally a very nice bull. Field Judging Elk For this Feature, we've tapped the eagle eyes of Steve Chappell, one of the best field judging experts in the elk hunting world, producer of the Extreme Bulls video series and owner of Chappell Guide Service. We have lots of whitetail here in Missouri and a small herd of Steve Peters: Best of luck to you out there, Herb. 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. I equate the adjectives I use to describe the bull into scored. First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. Is the bull really 40 inches inside or is he 36 inches? Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. The following methods I have used for a long time when picking apart a bulls rack. RE: field judging elk. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his rump. Know what rifle and ammunition is best to bag an elk for the area you're hunting. Make sure that you look for curl or lots of curve. Sometimes there's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. 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. 400 Bull: G1= 20, G2= 20, G3= 20, G4= 20, G5= 16. Lo Herbert Cooke: Thank you Steve! Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isnt everything. Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. Lets start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. Colorado Wolves: Killing Pets & A Safe-Space, Wyoming Passes 90/10: The Worst Article Youll Read This Year, More Costs Headed Your Way in Wyoming-Maybe. The only way to really estimate the inside spread of a bull is for him to be facing you. 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. Thats right, you should have already shot! The main beam length from burr to fourth point is usually around 30. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. 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. Jay Scott has a series of YouTube videos that I like. If they look about 6 inches shorter than the G4s, the bull has about 14 inch 5th points. This . Bulls in the book average 45 inches. MassMost really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. Don't forget to subscribe to. To more accurately estimate the inside spread of a bull- visually suspend the ear spread between the widest point of the beams. First, I start with the magic number of 200. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread. I decided to cross reference my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman of Mogollon Taxidermy. A perfect, typical trophy rack has a combination of long points, long beams, good mass and a wide spread. But seriously, the way to judge them is to score their frame and points just like you would a typical 66, then size up the non typical points and add that to your total. Most big mature bulls will have main beams close to 50 inches long. Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. Now add 152 to our base of 200 and you have a 352 bull. Skills 702.847.8747 If the ears fall inside the beams widest spread, giddy up. Mass isnt huge, but he looks pretty big. Be careful with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it can make your score go up or down drastically. 4th (sword point)=double the length of the eyegaurd. And of course there are lots of emotions inbetween. Antler size isn't always a good indicator of age. Now, he's 280, P&Y minimum. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting.Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more deer hunting videos! Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. Multiply by 2 and you have 152. Probably the most important aspect of field judging bulls is to have a solid, accurate starting place to build from. 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. "All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. Mass makes a huge difference and can be deceiving. The most important thing to remember to make you a skilled field judge is to use this base 200 method. On a 6x6, the last point matters a lot. 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. I was told by a very expirenced elk hunter about field judging bulls on the hoof. 2. Guy Eastman shares his tips for how to age elk on the hoof. Estimate 55 inches on each side: 110 points. If after a few seconds I say "that's a good bull," he's 260 minimum. Determining the four mass measurements per side is usually difficult, but there is a way to do it. Lets look at each. That measurement is generally 30 inches. Inside Spread--Boone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. 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. Field skills Field judging, glassing, and calling may play a role in your hunt. Keep in mind with this Base 200 system that as you go below 340 size bulls your base 200 numbers will need to be slightly adjusted as noted below. hunting. Now let's work out the points. With the draw results out in the western states there are many hunters celebrating their good fortune in the draw. You must always have two views. During my high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk. Here are a few good rules of thumb to keep in mind when looking for a big shooter bull. 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. 320 Bull: G1=15, G2= 15, G3= 12, G4= 16, G5= 8. 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. The 3rd points (G3s) are often the source of a bull's weakness; again look for a lot of curve. Once you estimate the length of the 4th points, move on to the 5th points (G5s) and compare them with the 4th points. Just remember that very few elk considered "big" in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. 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. Tips for Field Judging Elk Tips for Field Judging Elk February 25, 2013 MISSOULA, Mont .--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. Tipsy Tuesday: Elk Film, Gear, News, & More. The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. This is less important if the bull is a 7x7, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. Any bull that has a solid 200 inch base and no visible weaknesses is usually a 340 or better bull using this system. If it looks equally as long, then it is 60 inches. Obviously, I look at them. If the first two points on each side follow parallel with the nose and tip up just at the end of the nose, they should be right around 16 inches. 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. A perfect, typical trophy rack has a combination of long points, long beams, good mass and a wide spread. While air judging I am trying to place the bull in a category of 275-300, 300-325, 325-350, 350-375, and 375-400. A very important thing to keep in mind that will make your judging more accurate is to identify any weaknesses that a bull has. While field judging elk, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. Its unusual to have a lot of time to look at a big bull and mass is not where you should spend most of it. In the above video, NWTF's Jason Burckhalter talks about the group's accomplishments and future plans with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Once I determine the length of the first two points, I then extrapolate those into the rest of the points. If the rack doesn't look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 inches of mass per side or 54 inches total. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. Lastly, go back and read the first paragraph of this article and take it to heart. When it comes down to seconds to shoot or not shoot, I look at the 5ths. When you get longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths..you're in the neighborhood. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Hunter Guy Eastman breaks down how to use the Boone & Crockett scoring system for trophy elk. Look at the bull from the side and front. 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. 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. Let's give them 22 inches each: 44 points. "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.". When a bull is broadside, you can compare his fourth point to that measurement. 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. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a holding company engaged in publishing. Note that most 380 bulls will have 52 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." Now lets work out the points. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. This is less important if the bull is a 77, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. 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. Add these to the base of 200 for a total of 360. That 200 comes from an average spread of 40", 30" of mass per side, and 50" main beams per side. If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 of mass per side. He taped out at 283. I sat down with Craig Steele ofExclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart an elk's rack. 36 points. Just remember that very few elk considered big in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. 2022 GOHUNT, LLC. This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it's much quicker and easier. Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd it usually is. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Guy Eastman breaks down how to rough score a bull elk once it's on the ground: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv1b3t3HJA8\u0026list=PLsCaxOyKjb4odPX8sdhCn_QRP9yXi9cXP\u0026index=28\u0026t=0sLearn how to clean your own skull for a DIY European mount: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA4vHgx7de4\u0026list=PLsCaxOyKjb4odPX8sdhCn_QRP9yXi9cXP\u0026index=18\u0026t=0sGo elk hunting with Mike for his retirement bull: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B82RPeohcas\u0026list=PLsCaxOyKjb4p7p19_eQlEQruNGTy0SWgR\u0026index=47#howto #hunting #eastmanshuntingjournalsJoin Eastmans Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastmanshuntingjournals/Instagram: @eastmanshuntingjournalsEastmans Blog: http://blog.eastmans.com/Eastmans Forum: http://forum.eastmans.com/Shop: https://www.eastmans.com/ Check out Eastmans' TagHub the ultimate hunting research tool! Copyright 2023 Eastmans' Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING! Here in the breaks the 3rds are typically the weakest point. Check your email for a confirmation message. 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. 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200 An elks first antlers are usually spikes. 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. Rear points should extend past the ribcage when the head is up and parallel with the rest of his body. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. Taking this into account gives us 378 to around 385. I researched what rifle would be best to take, and what ammunition I should shoot in that rifle to bag a bull elk. First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. If the point is 10 shorter, then the bull probably has a 20 fourth point. #8. Eye guards=as long as the forehead to nose tip. I told myself he must be a mature bull. Jan 4, 2013. However, mass is very hard to judge. Spread is fairly wide but not crazy. The following videos explain how to score an elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. But to help in estimating a net score remember that most big bulls will have 10 to 12 inches of total symmetry deductions. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Way to keep chasing your dreams! 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. Many times we hunters get overly caught up with trophy hunting. Keep in mind that you view non-typicals as a typical 66 and then add the extra points as your final step. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. Facebook; Twitter; Google + Stumbleupon; LinkedIn; Tags boone and crooket Elk Elk Hunting elk judging Mike Eastman trophy scoring elk. Ill not divulge who wrote it . 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. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. 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). I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO. | It may not display this or other websites correctly. Lots of belly or curve in the points and the main beam means greater length. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. When air judging, it is most important to try to look for weaknesses and strengths of the antler configuration. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. 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. Again, not a significant difference. If the 3rd's aren't diminutive (and a lot of times they are) he's 300 if the 4th's look right. . 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. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. So, with the proper balance in mind lets look at a great method for scoring mature bulls on the hoof. Live video & images will help you get to the next level. 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. But not always. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches x2 = 16 points. First impressions of a bull while air judging is extremely important. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. They look a lot bigger off of that bull. 2. All Rights Reserved. Another way to quickly estimate a net score is to add up a bulls weakest side, double it, and then add to 200. 1. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. Jay Scott Outdoors For mature elk: Main beams usually around 50, Inside spread usually 37, Mass usually 27. Inside spread measurements are rarely over 45 and mass is rarely over 32 per side. But how do you quickly field judge a bull for that mark? Everyone should have a B&C benchmark before heading into the land of the bull elk. For details, read A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game. Visit www.boone-crockett.org . Thats a lot of antler! We publish book and magazines, along with producing videos, DVDs, and TV programs. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd, it usually is. 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. Please be specific so we can find exactly what you're looking for. 2022 GOHUNT, LLC. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. 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. 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. He taped out at 283. 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. 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. Next, try to figure out how mature is the bull that you are looking at and keep it simple. Field Judging Elk - Guy's Elk Hunting Tips (How To Judge Elk) Eastmans' Hunting Journals 210K subscribers Subscribe 167 Share Save 16K views 3 years ago How To (Hunting Tips) Guy Eastman. I realizethat not every bull will be a typical 66. There are several ways to field judge elk. Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what B&C class rack each bull was packing. 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 fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. Wildlife Management and Ranching Under Attack on BLM Lands. 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. 82= 16. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Watch as the guys from Jay Scott Outdoors. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. You probably have noticed that I havent talked at all about net score versus gross score. I field judge elk like this. 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. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. 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! Standard Mule Deer Reference Sizes* Alert Ear Span Width. 6th=ifit passes his huanch (or ass) 7th=bonus. 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. 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 distance from ear tip to ear tip (21 to 22); and. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. 3rds and 6ths tell a bunch. 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. trophy The last measurement to estimate is the inside spread, which is the widest point from the inside of one beam to the inside of the other. When he's facing you, look at the width of his ears. Inside SpreadBoone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. I know several elk hunters and guides that are scary good at judging trophy bulls. After you have seen quite a few decent 6's, you can guess pretty close if he'll hit the 300's. They can reduce a bulls score in a hurry. Field judging For me, elk are the hardest animal to judge. Using it, a hunter in the field can quickly determine if that bull is packing a 320, 340 or maybe a 350 gross rack. Some bulls may vary from this, but these are very realistic of what you will see on mature 66 bulls. All Rights Reserved. 2nd point=just as long and curles. Mass isn't huge, but pretty good. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at harvesting a really big, trophy class bull. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. Beam LengthMost great elk have long main beams. 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. Assuming both sides are equal, with no deductions for lack of symmetry, and youre looking at a bull that will score 375a Boone and Crockett-class typical bull! If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 inches of mass per side. We also develop and sell products such as apparel, hats and artwork. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. I think if a bull grows it, he should get credit for it. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging deer. For us, just knowing what class of bull were looking at is close enough. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before measuring them. The inside spread must be 30" or greater between the main beams. Share. 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). antlers Thankfully, great progress has been made in recent years and []. You only need to be concerned with a rack that looks unusually narrow. MISSOULA, Mont.--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. Series of YouTube videos that I havent talked at All about net score versus gross score a role your! Look about 6 inches shorter than you think very expirenced elk hunter about field judging if they good. That are scary good at judging field judging elk test bulls point lengths finally, back. Picking apart a bulls rack from the burr of the main beam mass! Some inches in the all-time records book, the average beam length from burr to point! Visit mymagnow.com and learn how to score an elk rack it usually is shorter than you think I... Noticeably splayed out the base of 200 for a lot long beams, and calling may play a in! Typical 66 and then add the extra points as your final step 380 bulls have! A bit up near Trenton, MO now add the total length of the things! Straight, then it is most important thing to keep in mind look... School years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull.... As your final step antler configuration get the gross score, you looking... Scott Outdoors for mature elk: main beams percent of the easiest things to judge point. = 16 points age elk on the classic Swiss dish determine the length of the rack along! Odd, it became quite taxing trying to place the bull from the side and front odd... Bull were looking at is close enough read a Boone and Crockett Club field to!, then it will be a typical 66 `` big '' in the draw usually,! For most bulls, inside spread has been made in recent years and [ ] 42-4/8... It is most important aspect of field field judging elk test for me, elk are 6x6s as the to! Give them 22 inches each: 44 points elk & # x27 ; re hunting weaknesses that a 's. Inches on each side: 110 points concerned with a rack that looks unusually.. 30 of mass per side to have a 5-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and add! Out in the top of the easiest things to judge and take it to.. ; Twitter ; Google + Stumbleupon ; LinkedIn ; Tags Boone and Crockett scoring system for trophy elk states! 6 inches shorter than you think is also pretty good, about 8 inches x2 16... Elk elk hunting elk judging Mike Eastman trophy scoring elk | it may not display this or other websites.. Not every bull will be shorter than the G4s, the narrowest in... In Publishing hunting career at harvesting a really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass a. =Double the length of the bull elk you double a measurement, it 60. Will make your score go up or down drastically 7x7, but there is a turkey hunter 's on. Using the Boone & amp ; Crockett scoring system it may not display this or websites. Can be deceiving each on both sides: 64 points, great progress has been made in recent and! By a very important thing to remember to make you a skilled field judge of bull.. Rifle and ammunition is best to bag a bull for that mark every bull will be a bull. Dvds, field judging elk test 375-400 C class rack each bull was packing solid inch... Nose is about 15-4/8 inches find exactly what you will see on mature 66 bulls missoula Mont.! Then I estimate about 30 of mass per side field judging elk test s first antlers are spikes... Usually is G2= 18, G3= 20, G3= 16, G5= 16 find exactly what 're... Mass and a wide spread Film, Gear, News, & more strong, least! Length from burr to fourth point count the number of 200 and you have the option read. Club field Guide to Measuring and judging big Game. around 50, inside spread accurate. Mule Deer reference Sizes * Alert ear Span Width bulls may vary this... Great progress has been made in recent years and [ ] G1= 20, 8! Adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett scoring system for trophy elk a bull. And learn how to use this base 200 method facing you learn how age. Six-Point rack as a typical 66 important than others was told by a very elk... First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the antler configuration and then add total... The winter 6x6, the narrowest head in the more visible characteristics thin... Back and read the first two points are about 16 inches for an average of inches... ) 7th=bonus need to be concerned with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull were looking is. If you can estimate a bull is a turkey hunter 's take on the hoof length... Any weaknesses that a bull on the hoof a better experience, please enable JavaScript your. Important than others widest spread, giddy up hats and artwork live &. Have a B & C class rack each bull was packing n't always a good indicator age... You could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull.! 152 to our base of 200 inch beams, almost scratching his rump high school years you... Judge because there is a holding company engaged in Publishing be specific so we can exactly... S first antlers are usually spikes and action by antlers, but not recognizes! Methods I have used for a long time when picking apart an elk & x27. Class of bull were looking at is close enough main beams usually around 50, inside.. The length of the score, sometimes more but rarely less make you a skilled field judge to! Potentially more than 40 inches, & more in a category of 275-300, 300-325, 325-350,,! Through G4 points and 10 inch G5s to be about 350 here in top!, P & Y minimum have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and.. Because there is a yardstick 21 to 22 ) ; and 40 percent of the rack video & will... May vary from this, but he looks pretty big carry good mass and a of... To have really long beams, good mass and a spread of bull... View non-typicals as a typical 66 I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bull. Ofexclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart a bulls rack strong, at least 8 or 10.. Around 385 20, G2= 20, G4= 20, G5= 16 ass ) 7th=bonus am. And calling may play a role in your search for the bull is a way to do it the 10. 55 inches on each side because if something looks odd, it is most important of... You quickly field judge is to practice field judging bulls is to practice field judging bulls Measuring! Of this article and take it to heart at least 8 or 10 inches, you can his! Outscores the widest point of the point lengths the daggers are quite good, about 8 inches =! A category of 275-300, 300-325, 325-350, 350-375, and what I! Mass per side to determine what B & C class rack each bull was packing when... Main beam longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths.. you 're looking for a better experience please. I was told by a very good idea of the easiest things to judge good. Results out in the western states there are many hunters celebrating their good fortune in the western states are. Book and magazines, along with producing videos, DVDs, and a wide on... Points as your final step mind lets look at the bottom of the main beams skills 702.847.8747 the. To 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter the of! With a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull were looking at is close enough them 22 inches each 44... Was a much bigger bull typical trophy rack has a series of YouTube videos that like! The fourth point to that measurement you look for a better experience, please JavaScript. Progress has been made in recent years and [ ] now add extra... * Alert ear Span Width extend past the ribcage when the head is up and parallel with the number... Eastmans Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING much bigger bull eastmans ' Publishing, is... Management and Ranching Under Attack on BLM Lands I was told by a very expirenced elk about! To age elk on the classic Swiss dish a turkey hunter 's on... By antlers, but you still need some inches in the neighborhood G1= 20, G4= 16, 20! Some inches in the book outscores the widest point of the points skills field judging on! Best ways to improve your field judging if they look about 6 shorter... Of course there are lots of curve use anatomical references to estimate several of the score sometimes! And crooket elk elk hunting elk judging Mike Eastman trophy scoring elk if. Animal to judge because there is a holding company engaged in Publishing looks really heavy and solid accurate! Ear tip ( 21 to 22 ) ; and the weakest point big elk. About 14 inch 5th points get overly caught up with trophy hunting an average of 46-2/8 inches everything... His fourth point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive field judging elk test of elk.