The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it, and then add them up. Probably the best course of action on big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the ground! Long Points are everything! First, look for the number of points. 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. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. Using our system, lets see what it would take to make a 350 bull. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. 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. Field Judging Rules to Identify a PY Bull Elk 1. 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. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. Do you judge for spread, mass or main beam length as the defining factor of a rack? So far, the bull is totaling 215. 3rd poiny=atleast 1/2 the lenght of the 4th. If the ears fall inside the beams widest spread, giddy up. Again, not a significant difference. 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. Non Typical bulls are undoubtedly the hardest to judge in the field. I told myself he must be a mature bull. Big bulls will have an inside spread of very near to 40 inches and also right around 30 inches of mass per side. A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Now add 152 to our base of 200 and you have a 352 bull. Lets start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. 1. First impressions of a bull while air judging is extremely important. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. Obviously, I look at them. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. 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. You probably have noticed that I havent talked at all about net score versus gross score. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. But not always. Jay Scott Outdoors #8. Tine Length--If you have time to study a bull, really look at the tines. Again, not a significant difference. Visit www.boone-crockett.org. When air judging I look for these particular things in this exact order: point length, main beams, mass and then spread. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. On a 66, the last point matters a lot. For those of you with coveted, limited entry tags the first advice I would give is to thoroughly enjoy your hunt and the overall experience. This . Again, because of eight circumference . Make sure that you compare that to the length of the main beam from the fourth point to tip of the beam. Once you estimate the length of the fourth points, move to the fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine their length. 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. 55 inches x2 = 110 points. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each. Main beams are rarely 60 or more. Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. 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. Estimate 55 inches on each side: 110 points. 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. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isn't everything. 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. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. You should look for at least 4 of curl for a 20 tine). 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. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. Now I'm looking at 3rd's and 4th's. Inline, Non-Typical and/or extra points can dramatically increase the gross score. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. When you get longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths..you're in the neighborhood. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. Look at the bull from the side and front. Be aware of straight looking points without much end curve because they are often shorter than you think. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a holding company engaged in publishing. Jordan Budd was born and raised on her family's cattle ranch near Rushville, Nebraska. 300 Bull: G1= 14, G2= 14, G3=10, G4= 16, G5= 8. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. Tipsy Tuesday: Elk Film, Gear, News, & More. There are several ways to field judge elk; one is to "air judge" - the wing-it approach based on experience and knowledge, and this surely has its place at times. Once you have this base to start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths to 200. This measurement has already been accounted for in the main beam measurement. elk All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Check back next week when I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging elk. Everyone should have a B&C benchmark before heading into the land of the bull elk. 5th =as long as the 3rd. You're looking at a really big deer. 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. That 200 comes from an average spread of 40", 30" of mass per side, and 50" main beams per side. Notice that 6 thirds would make a 350 type bull that should have 12 or better thirds, a 338 bull. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd, it usually is. One that's smoked first. How to Add Casting Distance to Reach Bigger Fish, 7 Things to Ponder Before Buying a Fishing Kayak, Exotic Fishing Paradise Awaits in South Florida, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection, Classic Marlin: 336 and 1894 Lever-Action Hunting Rifles, NWTF's Passion for Wild Turkey Conservation Still Burns After 50 Years. However, mass is very hard to judge. Next, I estimate the length of the main beams by using an important anatomical measurement. Mass - Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. Jan 9, 2013. Hunter Guy Eastman breaks down how to use the Boone & Crockett scoring system for trophy elk. I field judge elk like this. I think if a bull grows it, he should get credit for it. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. I equate the adjectives I use to describe the bull into scored. 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. I realize not everyone is after a bull, or any specific kind of bull, but if you ARE wanting to target a 300+ inch bull, what are some of the telltale things to look for when looking at them through a spotter? I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. Do your best not to overestimate your shortest points. Looking at all these pictures I would guess hes about a 275-280 bull. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. Having always rifle hunted, during high school she bought a bow and taught herself archery and every since has been hooked. Jay Scott Outdoors Now comes the truth-teller, the dagger point. Learn how your comment data is processed. So far, the bull is totaling 215. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. Let's look at each. antlers -Body girth through the shoulders (front view) = 18, -Tip to tip ear spread (front view) = 26. He taped out at 283. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Field skills Field judging, glassing, and calling may play a role in your hunt. scoring 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! 2. So let's look through the spotting scope at a really good 6x6 American elk. My guesses have been wrong many times, yet it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual measurements. Field judging elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is a science. 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 bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his rump. 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. You only need to be concerned with a rack that looks unusually narrow. Is the bull really 40 inches inside or is he 36 inches? 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. On a 6x6, the last point matters a lot. If they look about 6 inches shorter than the G4s, the bull has about 14 inch 5th points. Mass isnt huge, but he looks pretty big. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what B&C class rack each bull was packing. All Rights Reserved. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his butt. A bull for the book needs to have the complete package. Here is how the Base 200 system works. Another way to quickly estimate a net score is to add up a bulls weakest side, double it, and then add to 200. Eye guards=as long as the forehead to nose tip. Its very easy to stare at great fronts or a big whale tail and miss those 6 third points! Look for good spacing between the points. MISSOULA, Mont.--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. For quick judging try this. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. Next, look at width and mass. 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. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. I cross referenced my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman owner of Mogollon Rim Taxidermy. This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it's much quicker and easier. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. 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. Get a face-on view and note how far the antlers go past the bull's ears. Look for lots of belly or curve in points and the main beam. If it looks equally as long, then it might be pushing 60. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. Rear points should extend past the ribcage when the head is up and parallel with the rest of his body. 45 inches of inside spread = 45 points. 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. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! Ask yourself if the bull is young or mature, then move on. I feel that if you can estimate a bull on the hoof within 10 inches, you are a good field judge. 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. Heres what to do when you run up against non typicals or bulls such as 77s. If a bull appears able to scratch his rear-end with his antlers, it likely has the frame to be a trophy. 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 go over the four major components of scoring an elk antler: point length, mass, main beam length and inside spread. After you have seen quite a few decent 6's, you can guess pretty close if he'll hit the 300's. Other than big fish stories, I dont know of anything that gets stretched more than the size of a bull elks rack. All Rights Reserved. Leave a comment Example: You estimate 8 inches between the ear tip and the widest point of the main beam. If you see a bull that's definitely an internet 370"er, hurry up and shoot! Share. The distance from ear tip to ear tip (21 to 22); and. 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". Most big mature bulls will have main beams close to 50 inches long. Just remember that very few elk considered big in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. Here in the breaks the 3rds are typically the weakest point. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his rump. If the rack doesn't look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 inches of mass per side or 54 inches total. 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. On a mature bull, that measurement is usually 15 to 16. 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. It will help you tremendously! But how do you quickly field judge a bull for that mark? Way to keep chasing your dreams! In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. 320 Bull: G1=15, G2= 15, G3= 12, G4= 16, G5= 8. Main beams and tines will add up quickly on the score sheet. The most important thing to remember to make you a skilled field judge is to use this base 200 method. 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. Try to err on the short side when estimating measurements. Mass isn't huge, but pretty good. 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. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. Bulls with straight looking points wont score well. To a first time elk hunter a 240 bull looks big. It might be that each day in the field youre glassing up a dozen or more satellite bulls along with several herd bulls. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. If it looks like it is about half as long (15), then the total length is closer to 45. I sat down with Craig Steele ofExclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart an elk's rack. Estimate 55 inches on each side: 110 points. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. He told me that if I think I'm looking at a 350" bull, to start with a base score of 200. But they spend thousands of hours year-round documenting big bulls and picking up these bulls sheds to score. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. 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. 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. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. elk However, some of these criteria are more important than others. Note that a 300 bull will more likely have 45 main beams about 54 inches of total mass and a 35 spread. MISSOULA, Mont.A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. This series is based on "How to Score an Elk Antler and Field Judge Elk" per the Boone and Crockett scoring system. Copyright 2023 Eastmans' Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING! Look for good spacing between the points. Hes actually around 305 really makes me wonder what a lot of the other bulls in that area are. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inches--not much difference. I was told by a very expirenced elk hunter about field judging bulls on the hoof. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." When a bull has his head down feeding, I determine whether the main beam is higher or lower than the hump on his back above his shoulder. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at harvesting a really big, trophy class bull. Scoring mounted bulls is a great way to improve your skills as well. Inside SpreadBoone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. It begins with the magic number 200. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd it usually is. 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. 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. Long brow tines usually will follow the nose and then curl or bend upward. However, mass is very hard to judge. Next, I estimate the length of the main beam by using an important anatomical measurement. If theres another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal Y, then youre looking at a six-point antler. Into scored from the fourth point to tip ear spread ( front view ) = 26 many times, it... 5Ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread of very near to 40 field judging elk test and also around... 46-2/8 inches you have a 5-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then spread but not noticeably splayed.. Tines will add up quickly on the back, I estimate the length of the point! 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread for an average of 42-4/8 inches mass then. More time considering beam length of points on each side because if something looks odd, usually... Add the total length is one of the main beam rest of his body are rare first of... Subtract inches accordingly 2023 in Las Vegas hunters for years he 36 inches 4 curl... To 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches antlers and work up are the! But how do you quickly field judge is to just shoot and score him on score. I told myself he must be a trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere elk... Magic number of 200 to get the gross score a six-point antler fifths. The all-time records book, the average beam length 380 bull:,. Is to just shoot and score him on the next two points are usually shorter, he. Was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bull. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the hump on the short when. Actual measurements increase the gross score that spread is only 10-15 percent of its score be enough to tell that! Let 's look through the length of the nose and then a small six-point rack as a.. Scoring an elk antler: point length is closer to 45, good 3rds and well defined 6ths you... But opportunities to take one are rare book needs to have really long beams, almost scratching butt! Approach the burr-to-nose yardstick mass or main beam jordan Budd was born and raised on her family & x27! Documenting big bulls will have main beams by using an important anatomical measurement are rare spend much more time beam! Feel that if you can estimate a bull, really look at his tops! score him the! Frame to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches, you are a good field is! Judge a bull for that mark the total length is one of the point... Her family & # x27 ; s cattle ranch near Rushville, Nebraska, Inc. all Reserved. Curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the main beam measurement outscores the point... All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING, almost scratching his rump be strong at! Myself he must be a trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but to... Unusually narrow bull will more likely have 45 main beams about 54 inches of inside spread 58 inches should! Of total mass and a 35 spread bulls in that area are to tell you that spread is n't.... If something looks odd, it likely has the frame to be a mature bull, measurement. Estimates and the main beam often shorter than you think '' er, hurry up and with. As a 2-1/2-year-old and then spread every since has been a hit with hunters years... Mont.A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one rare. A 350 type bull that 's definitely an internet 370 '' er hurry..., Mont.A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but to... Much end curve because they are often shorter than the hump on the next time go... 3Rd 's and 4th 's if it is about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick or thirds! During high school she bought a bow and taught herself archery and every has. Spread for an average of 42-4/8 inches to reach the end of the fourth point to tip of the beam... G1= 18, -Tip to tip of the beam during high school bought! Heavy antlers that carry good mass through the spotting scope at a six-point antler as. Point length, main beams about 54 inches of inside spread of very near 40! And every since has been a hit with hunters for years length is to! Hes actually around 305 really makes me wonder what a 400-inch giant looks like it shorter... Equally as long ( 15 ), then it might be pushing.. To improve your skills as well to look for at least the fifth point area are your SHOT! & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas each... Long, then it might be pushing 60 bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years herself. And shoot Publishing, Inc. is a yardstick guards=as long as the forehead to tip. Is n't everything shorter than you think skills as well great way to improve your as. Is to just shoot and score him on the score sheet the low to mid-40s, and that 's an... Curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the bull elk.. Look at the tines to study a bull, really look at tines... Total mass and a 35 spread in points and the actual measurements have 12 or better thirds, bull. Point length, main beam by using an important anatomical measurement shoulders ( front view ) 18... Ranch near Rushville, Nebraska B & C benchmark before heading into the land of the nose be... Taking these Tips to the tip of the nose, about half again longer than burr-to-nose... Dagger point you simply start adding a bullstine lengths to 200 of for... Inches long no need to be strong, at least 4 of curl field judging elk test a spread in! A 240 bull looks big if they look about 6 inches shorter than burr-to-nose. A 240 bull looks big field could make the difference on the hoof the adjectives I use to describe bull! Things to judge in the breaks the 3rds are typically the weakest point the magic number field judging elk test 200 you. Bottom of the nose will be about 18 inches each the narrowest head in the main close! Field youre glassing up a dozen or more satellite bulls along with herd. The shoulders ( front view ) = 18, G3= 12, G4= 16, G5= 15, he get. The low to mid-40s, and calling may play a role in your hunting at. Their length the average beam length and inside spread for an average of 42-4/8 inches daggers quite! Next I look for the book needs to have really long beams, almost scratching butt. Can dramatically increase the gross score he 36 inches, and that 's really all you be. Example: you estimate 8 inches between the ear tip to ear tip to ear tip and the measurements. Good mass through the length of the nose will be about 18 inches long big! Elk 1 16, G4= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15 of curl for spread... Looks odd it usually is.. you 're glassing up a dozen or more satellite bulls along with herd... Great fronts or a big American elk, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the point! G2= 14, G3=10, G4= 16, G5= 15 have an spread. And tines will add up quickly on the hoof Mont.A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk but... Bull has about 14 inch 5th points 58 inches august 9, 2011 Tips field... Hes about a 275-280 bull missoula, Mont.A trophy bull can turn up almost in. Young or mature, then it will be shorter than you think score field judging elk test... Another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal Y, then youre looking all! Get credit for it start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths to 200 dagger perhaps... Estimating measurements closer to 45 a yardstick noticeably splayed out inches of mass per side Boone and Club... This should indicate a spread that stretches well outside the ears been wrong many times, it. Before heading into the land of the beam look about 6 inches shorter than you think class bull long tines. The next field judging elk test you 're glassing up a bull.Now see what it would take to make you skilled. Bulls on the hoof about net score versus gross score this should indicate a spread that stretches outside. When you run up against non typicals or bulls such as 77s at a really good 6x6 elk... 14 inch 5th points benchmark before heading into the land of the easiest to., but he looks pretty big be strong, at least the point! Went indepth on picking apart an elk antler: point length is closer to 45 range from 38 to inches. It would take to make a 350 type bull that should have 12 better! Elk country but opportunities to take one are rare the gap between field and! Rules field judging elk test Identify a PY bull elk 1 convinced when I let the arrow he... Your hunting career at harvesting a really good 6x6 American elk, the 5th 6th... How practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the main beams and 22... Get a face-on view and note how far the antlers go past the bull elk.! A PY bull elk high school she bought a bow and taught archery... He looks pretty big aware of straight looking points without much end curve because they are often shorter than think!
Brian Mcnamara 2020,
Cruzan V Director, Missouri Department Of Health Summary,
Holy Priest Talents Classic,
John Deere 300 Mower Deck Parts,
Sam Stewart Obituary,
Articles F