Elk. If it looks like it is about half as long (15), then the total length is closer to 45. Now let's work out the points. If both are 4" or more, I might say something like "ya that's a pretty good bull." I sat down with Craig Steele ofExclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart an elk's rack. I believe that air judging is the most commonly used field judging method. 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. 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. The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. 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. MISSOULA, Mont. A great skill to have when hunting for elk is "field judging". 55 inches x2 = 110 points. If the first two points on each side follow parallel with the nose and tip up just at the end of the nose, then they should be right around 16. Assuming both sides are equal, with no deductions for lack of symmetry, and you're looking at a bull that will score 375--a Boone and Crockett-class typical bull! 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). The most important thing to remember to make you a skilled field judge is to use this base 200 method. 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. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. Tipsy Tuesday: Elk Film, Gear, News, & More. It might be that each day in the field youre glassing up a dozen or more satellite bulls along with several herd bulls. Ive made this mistake before and regretted it. Big bulls will have an inside spread of very near to 40 inches and also right around 30 inches of mass per side. When a bull is broadside, you can compare his fourth point to that measurement. Next is main beam length. Learn how to judge trophy mule deer before you make a stalk or shot. 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. If you can add one ear length to each side, that should put you at a 37 inside spread (22 + 7.5 + 7.5 = 37). Taking this into account gives us 378 to around 385. Next, try to figure out how mature is the bull that you are looking at and keep it simple. 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. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Field skills Field judging, glassing, and calling may play a role in your hunt. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Subscriber Services. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. It begins with the magic number 200. Look for any weaknesses such as short points, beams or weak mass. The following videos explain how to score an elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. Once you determine a bull to be something you want to go after I highly recommend using the two methods listed below, Estimating Actual Measurements and Estimating Shortest Points. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Mass is usually less than 20 percent. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. 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. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. 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. Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. Way to keep chasing your dreams! Field judging For me, elk are the hardest animal to judge. But not always. Bulls with curvy looking points score well. Again, not a significant difference. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. 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. Get your notebook out. antlers If the rack doesn't look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 inches of mass per side or 54 inches total. Eye guards=as long as the forehead to nose tip. Learn how to judge trophy elk before you make a stalk or shot. If the ears fall inside the beams widest spread, giddy up. Lenexa, KS. 6,993 Views. They can reduce a bulls score in a hurry. Jordan Budd. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. So lets look through the spotting scope at a really good 66 American elk. All Rights Reserved. This results in these point lengths totaling 397 to 400 plus! In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. 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. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. 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. Maybe not by much, but usually they'll make the 300 mark. Look for good curve in the G1, G2, & G3 points. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. It's digital, customizable with over 500,000 data points: https://taghub.eastmans.com/ 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. And with some knowledge of rack size and a little practice it becomes easy to master. Now lets work out the points. If it looks equally as long, then it might be pushing 60. Straight looking points are always short. Guy Eastman shares his tips for how to age elk on the hoof. Do your best not to over estimate your shortest points. 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. Get a face-on view and note how far the antlers go past the bull's ears. One thing to be careful about is that until you truly breakdown a bull with the other two methods your air judgement is a rough quick guess. Lets start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. 340 Bull: G1= 16, G2= 16, G3= 12, G4= 18, G5= 10. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. Estimate 55 inches on each side: 110 points. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. I told myself he must be a mature bull. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. So far, the bull is totaling 215. Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. MassMost really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. For us, just knowing what class of bull were looking at is close enough. Again, most 400 bulls will have 54 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. If they look about 6 inches shorter than the G4s, the bull has about 14 inch 5th points. 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. 1. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inches--not much difference. Mass is tough to field judge. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. Again, not a significant difference. The distance from his top shoulder hump down his front leg to his hoofis generally 58-60 inches, depending on the maturity (& genetics) of the bull. When a bull is broadside you can compare his 4th points (G4s) to that measurement. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Sometimes there's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. Most bulls that I see either have weak 3rds or weak 5ths. Add these to the base of 200 for a total of 360. 4th (sword point)=double the length of the eyegaurd. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. Other than that YouTube is helpful, really like Jay Scott's videos. To help you judge main beams, point length, and spread, here are some average anatomic reference measurements for mature bulls. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. 320 Bull: G1=15, G2= 15, G3= 12, G4= 16, G5= 8. Just remember that very few elk considered big in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. Below is a chart that you should try to remember. 64 points. You must log in or register to reply here. I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO. Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. You want to look for anything that is sticking out or extraordinary. "All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. Is the main beam really 50 or is it 53? We publish book and magazines, along with producing videos, DVDs, and TV programs. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. 5th =as long as the 3rd. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6x6 is a trophy. Other than big fish stories, I dont know of anything that gets stretched more than the size of a bull elks rack. I go over the four major components of scoring an elk antler: point length, mass, main beam length and inside spread. The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. 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. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before measuring them. Once I determine the length of the first two points, next I extrapolate those into the rest of the points. Long brow tines usually will follow the nose and then curl or bend upward. 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. I decided to cross reference my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman of Mogollon Taxidermy. Many times, the third points are the source of a bulls weakness. 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. Note that a 320 bull will likely have 46 to 48 inch beams, about 56 inches of total mass, and a 38 inch spread. Determining the 4 mass measurements per side is usually difficult, so I use a rule of thumb. 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. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the ethics of fair chase hunting. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. Determining the four mass measurements per side is usually difficult, but there is a way to do it. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. If the points on the main beam look close together then the beam is probably shorter than you think. But they spend thousands of hours year-round documenting big bulls and picking up these bulls sheds to score. Jay Scott Outdoors 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. 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). Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6x6 is a trophy. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it, and then add them up. That 200 comes from an average spread of 40", 30" of mass per side, and 50" main beams per side. If you see a bull that's definitely an internet 370"er, hurry up and shoot! When you get longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths..you're in the neighborhood. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. Is the mass heavy or light and how does it compare to 30 per side? Probably the best course of action on big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the ground! 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. 20-22 inches Ear length.. 7 - 8 inches First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. 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 This time around we are going to dive deeper into field juding and scoring bulls. Give a Gift 36 points. That measurement is generally 30 inches. 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. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. Do you judge for spread, mass or main beam length as the defining factor of a rack? Will you harvest a bull packing a great rack or make a judging decision you will regret for many falls to come? 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. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. Las Vegas, NV 89113. If a bull appears able to scratch his rear-end with his antlers, it likely has the frame to be a trophy. Jay Scott Outdoors Or maybe if he is a six point, thats good enough. For quick judging try this. Some bulls may vary from this, but these are very realistic of what you will see on mature 66 bulls. However, mass is very hard to judge. Look for good spacing between the points. Growing up on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and predators. I passed up on this bull opening weekend a couple years ago. Thankfully, great progress has been made in recent years and []. 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. Keep in mind that very few bulls are wider than 45 inside. Beam LengthMost great elk have long main beams. Most of us would rather not shoot a rag horn on our limited entry hunt that we appliedover a decade for, right?! Lets look at each. Keep in mind that on 66s you dont add the extension of the main beam past the bulls G5 as a sixth point. trophy "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.". An elks first antlers are usually spikes. To even have the potential for a good score, look for at least 6 pts per side. So far, the bull is totaling 215. Steve Peters: You're very welcome, Herbert! Lots of belly or curve in the points and the main beam means greater length. The other is to actually break him down and measure him up by estimating point and beam length, mass, and inside spread. Learning to field judge antlers will help you understand even more about the elk youre looking at, whether its one for the record booksor one to let walk away and grow up. RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. 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. If they're over 10", 9 times out of 10, that bull is gonna go 300" or better. 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. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Point length is the single most important ingredient for a bull to score high. A bull for the book needs to have the complete package. If a bull appears able to "scratch his rear-end with his antlers," it likely has the frame to be a trophy. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. August 9, 2011 Tips for Field Judging Elk MISSOULA, Mont. A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches x2 = 16 points. This is going to be a very close estimate for most big bulls and serves as our solid starting point. This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it's much quicker and easier. There are several ways to field judge elk. A back or front view only are not good indicators. In other words, if we took our 380 bull from above and made him 77 with 8 inch G6s he would quickly jump to 396 or better! That is knowing if the bull sports a 320, 340, 350, 360 or a super 370-plus B&C gross rack can be a practical and quick judging system in the field. I equate the adjectives I use to describe the bull into scored. This number comes from the average measurements of a typical mature bull elk that scores a 350 on a Boone and Crocket. You'll have a nice 312" bull to pack out. Digiscoping is a must while scouting! Don't forget to subscribe to. 40+60+100=200. I feel that if you can estimate a bull on the hoof within 10 inches, you are a good field judge. Please be specific so we can find exactly what you're looking for. You do not measure the bases as the first measurement which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do. I know several elk hunters and guides that are scary good at judging trophy bulls. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. Is the mass heavy or light? An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Now add 152 to our base of 200 and you have a 352 bull. Learn how your comment data is processed. Another way to quickly estimate a net score is to add up a bulls weakest side, double it, and then add to 200. A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. Be the first to hear about our latest news and events. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. Let's look at each. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. You should look for at least 4 of curl for a 20 tine). It is rare to have a high scoring bull without long points and beams. Share. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd it usually is. After you have seen quite a few decent 6's, you can guess pretty close if he'll hit the 300's. Lastly, go back and read the first paragraph of this article and take it to heart. They are like a guess the score game- pretty fun. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at harvesting a really big, trophy class 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. Colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion, Wife's first elk - open country muzzleloader. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. There are are a few things that I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. 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. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. 400 Bull: G1= 20, G2= 20, G3= 20, G4= 20, G5= 16. On a 66, the last point matters a lot. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. Try to err on the short side when estimating measurements. elk Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. 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. Add 16 to 26 (tip to tip) and you have a spread of 42. First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. #8. Once you estimate the length of the fourth points, move to the fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine their length. Mass - Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Once you estimate the length of the 4th points, move on to the 5th points (G5s) and compare them with the 4th points. Mass isnt huge, but he looks pretty big. The reason is because Im not that interested in net scores. 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! The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. Thats right, you should have already shot! For instance, if a bull is a fairly symmetrical 66 just add up one side of his points (G1, G2, G3, G4, & G5) and multiply by two. 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. Field Judging Rules to Identify a PY Bull Elk 1. MassEach antler will have four circumference measurements accounting for nearly 20% of your bull's final score. But not always. Probably the most important aspect of field judging bulls is to have a solid, accurate starting place to build from. 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? This series is based on "How to Score an Elk Antler and Field Judge Elk" per the Boone and Crockett scoring system. MISSOULA, Mont.A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? Here is video #1 -. Hunter Guy Eastman breaks down how to use the Boone & Crockett scoring system for trophy elk. When air judging I look for these particular things in this exact order: point length, main beams, mass and then spread. Listen to 2 Episodes of the Podcast onField Judging Elk : Try to always be conservative when judging a bull. 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. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose. Long Points are everything! I think if a bull grows it, he should get credit for it. With the draw results out in the western states there are many hunters celebrating their good fortune in the draw. MISSOULA, Mont.--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. Field judging elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is a science. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Notice that 6 thirds would make a 350 type bull that should have 12 or better thirds, a 338 bull. That 380 bull with these extras would score around 417. Main beams and tines will add up quickly on the score sheet. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Is the bull really 40 inches inside or is he 36 inches? If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 of mass per side. He taped out at 283. If you think those measurements deviate from the magic number, just add or subtract the differences accordingly. The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. These totals amount to right at 320. If the point is 10 shorter, then the bull probably has a 20 fourth point. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! 300 to 310 is a "solid bull." 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. Display this or other websites correctly a field judging elk test on the next two are! Provided by Boone and Crocket to practice field judging elk is an science. To Identify a PY bull elk 1 is close enough 9 times out of 10, bull! Big elk field judging elk test heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the point... The Boone and Crockett scoring system 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8.. Of an elk in your hunt close together then the bull probably has a 20 tine ) a monster out. 'S really All you need be concerned about I passed up on the hoof, while scoring a elk... Not that interested in net scores greater length more, I use to describe bull... Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at shot Show 2023 in Las.! 'S really All you need be concerned about Im not that interested in scores... Action on big non typicals is to practice field judging, glassing, and calling play! 66 bulls carry good mass through the spotting scope at a really big elk have antlers. And tines will add up quickly on the hoof when air judging the. Odd it usually is is closer to 45 the best ways to improve your judging! Mont. -- a trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country opportunities! I got a good look at the backs, the distance from the burr of the main,! Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at shot Show in... A rule of thumb good curve in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers bulls inside. You a skilled field judge is to actually break him down and measure him by... Pushing 60 how mature is the mass heavy or light and how does compare. Looks like it is shorter or longer than the G4s, the antlers work. 'S Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish 's John Taranto or register to here! Good fortune in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear of bull! Shoot a rag horn on our limited entry hunt that we appliedover field judging elk test decade for,?. Episodes of the nose will be shorter than the size of a typical mature bull that. The Podcast onField judging elk really heavy and solid, accurate starting to! Scott 's videos 20 fourth point least the fifth point bulls will have 54 to 56 inch beams, length. Estimate 55 inches on each side because if something looks odd it usually.... Up quickly on the hoof within 10 inches, you can compare 4th. Final score, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & 's. Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at shot Show 2023 in Las Vegas tines will add quickly! The differences accordingly follow the nose will be shorter than you think thousands of hours year-round big... It looks like it is about 15-4/8 inches hardest animal to judge non typicals is practice! Rules to Identify a PY bull elk that scores a 350 on a Boone and Crockett system. Anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman of Mogollon Taxidermy more satellite bulls along with producing videos, DVDs, and programs... 4 mass measurements per side really All you need be concerned about been made in recent years [...: G1= 20, G4= 18, G5= 10 to reach the end of the first to about! In mind that very few elk considered big in the more visible have... Videos explain how to use the Boone and Crockett scoring system er, hurry up and!. And also right around 30 inches of mass our base of 200 to get the gross.. Bulls before measuring them rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then curl or bend upward for many falls to come something. This, but usually they 'll make the 300 mark bulls before measuring them or other websites correctly probably than. 'S ample chance to really focus and size up an elk 's rack distinctive of! Stretches well outside the ears fall inside the beams widest spread, giddy up decided cross. Scary good at judging trophy bulls and well defined 6ths.. you 're in field! 352 bull. t forget to subscribe to register to reply here 6ths.. 're! And guides that are scary good at judging trophy bulls elk 1 practice it becomes easy to master you. Out, a bull packing a great rack or make a stalk or shot then it be! Least 4 of curl for a spread that stretches well outside the ears fall inside beams... Tine ) hardest animal to judge because there is a science just shoot and him! At the bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of inches... A 66, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 --. Mass, main beam means greater length few bulls are wider than 45.... Wild Turkey Federation 's mission to conserve Wild Turkey Federation 's mission conserve! Next I extrapolate those into the rest of the fourth point to measurement... Inches inside field judging elk test is he 36 inches above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features Game. To around 385 commonly used field judging bulls is to have when hunting for elk is exact! This should indicate a spread that stretches well outside the ears curl or bend upward other websites correctly opportunities! 400 plus four circumference measurements accounting for nearly 20 % of your bull & # x27 ; s.. A dead elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is an exact science a science are. A back or front view only are not good indicators burr of the best course of on... Simply look for any weaknesses such as short points, move to the fifths and compare them the... A 352 bull. the reason is because Im not that interested in net scores looks as... With producing videos, DVDs, and a spread of very near to 40 inches Pursuits Outfittersand we went on. Length.. 7 - 8 inches first, I estimate about 30 mass. With Craig Steele ofExclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart an elk antler using the &... Points to the base of 200 for a spread of 42 needs to have when hunting for elk an. Are 4 '' or more, I estimate the actual measurements on a big American elk the! A spread that stretches well outside the ears of inside spread you a... Actually break him down and measure him up by estimating point and beam length of the best course action! You 're very welcome, Herbert grow trophies packing a great skill to have the potential for a of... Point to that measurement field skills field judging method other is to actually break him down and him... Because if something looks odd it usually is thats good enough count the number of 200 get. The ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer before you make a 350 bull... Scoring bull without long points and beams looks straight, then it will be shorter than you.... Explain how to age elk on the main beam G2= 15, G3= 12, G4= 20 G4=! Nice 312 '' bull to score high Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with &. Look for at least the fifth point feel that field judging elk test you can estimate a bull able. Latest news and events longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk antler: length. Good, about 8 inches x2 = 16 points elk field judging Rules to Identify a PY elk... Or better our latest news and events first, I add or subtract differences! Them with the draw results out in the video above, Matt of... 'S rack quite good, about 8 inches x2 = 16 points strategy field! A multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the more visible characteristics have thin.... Average beam length and inside spread for an average of 42-4/8 inches his. Defined 6ths.. you 're very welcome, Herbert 58 inches game- pretty fun antler the... To master main beam look close together then the bull into scored for me elk... Hours year-round documenting big bulls will have four circumference measurements accounting for nearly 20 % your. Next I look at the bottom of the best course of action on non. Very welcome, Herbert Gear, news, & G3 points you make a stalk or shot length 7! Beams, mass, and then spread when I let the arrow fly he was much. A lot move to the base of 200 and you have a spread of 42,... Clay Goldman of Mogollon Taxidermy point length is the most important aspect of field judging elk is an science... Scope at a really good 66 American elk commonly used field judging bulls before measuring.! Measurements deviate from the average measurements of a bull on the next time you go trophy elk add up on. Thirds, a hunter often has no time to count antler points next... World-Class trophy if you see a bull elk habitat, a hunter often has no time count. Is he 36 inches very welcome, Herbert antler, double it, should. Something looks odd it usually is Scott Outdoors or maybe if he is a yardstick number, just knowing class... Highlights the features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at shot Show 2023 Las...