How do you measure deer antlers?
- Measure the main beams of the antlers.
- Measure the inside spread of the main beams.
- Take the tine or “G” measurements.
- Take the circumference or “H” measurements.
- Take a measurement of abnormal points.
How to score a deer antler?
Scoring whitetail deer – How to score a buck. Measure the main beams of the antlers. This measurement is taken on the outside edge of each antler, starting at the base of the burr. From the base of the burr, follow the outside and center of the main beam all the way to the antler tip. Record both measurements.
How big are antlers for deer?
What Makes Deer Antlers Grow Big?Antler growth in whitetail bucks always comes down to three things: age, genetics and nutrition. Antlers get larger as a buck gets older up to a certain point, then they start declining in size. ... Hunters may see a buck's best antlers anywhere from 5 1/2 to 8 1/2
How do you judge the size of antlers?
There are 3 methods to ESTIMATE the age of a deer:
- Pull a lower incisor tooth, send it to the lab, and count the cementum annuli
- Examine the lower jaw for tooth wear and replacement
- Snap a picture and take a guess
How to mount your own deer antlers?
How to Mount Your Own Antlers. Necessary Tools to Mount Your Deer Antlers. Step 1: Getting Started. Step 2: Dry the Skull. Step 4: Switch to a Smaller Brush. Step 5: Remove Dried Blood. Step 6: Drill Holes in the Skull. Step 7: Mount the Skull. Step 8: Cover the Skull Plate. Furthermore, how do you mount a deer antlers with a skull?
How do you measure the points on a buck?
QUICK SCORING STEPS Add the total length of both main beams. Add the total length of all the points. Add total length of four circumference measurements. Add the spread credit. ... Subtract the total number of inches of all abnormal points on a typical rack.More items...•
How big is a 140 class buck?
For this buck, a very symmetrical buck, we can total the antler measurements to be roughly 51-52 inches. By multiplying 51-52 inches by two, taking the shortcut in estimating the score of the other antler, we can arrive that this buck's antlers are around 102-104 inches.
How are mule deer antlers measured in inches?
You measure this tine from the tip down to where it meets the main beam. Don't make the mistake of only measuring down to where the two tines fork (as illustrated by where my fingers are). Then we move down the antler for the G3 length. Measure this length to where it meets the G2.
What does G mean in deer antlers?
Gs – The letter G is used to name normal antler points. G1 refers to the first point on an antler. This is typically the location of the brow tine (if the brow tine is missing, the G1 is missing). G2 is the next tine, then G3, and so on (see photo above). A normal 8-point buck would have a G1, G2, and G3.
What's considered a trophy buck?
5.5- to 6.5-Year-Olds—This is a mature whitetail in its prime. They are at the height of their weight, antler size, strength, and cunning. These are animals that know how to survive and are extremely challenging to hunt. Without a doubt, these are trophy whitetail deer.
What is considered a Boone and Crockett buck?
The Boone and Crockett Club defines a point on a whitetail or Coues' deer as “any projection at least one inch long and longer than it is wide at one inch or more of length.” Since most whitetails are hunted in or near heavy cover where there may only be seconds to assess their antlers, we need a quick way to count ...
How big is a 180 inch mule deer?
On the average, I would look for Bucks around 26" or wider, with deep forks all around. Don't be too concerned with mass, big forks trump mass and width all day long. My personal best goes about 180, but is only 22" wide, with only a 16" inside spread, so don't overlook these types of bucks.
How do you measure red stag antlers?
All measurements are taken using the Imperial system using inches. It is a simple formula whereby the length of antlers horns and tusks are taken together with the measurements of the tines and beams. The shortest measurement from either side is then doubled giving a symmetrical size to be entered in the score column.
How to measure antlers?
Measure the distance from tip to tip. Measure the distance from the tip of the left antler to the tip of the right. This is not the longest measurement, because the antlers come closer together towards the end. Do the measurement from in front of rather than behind the antlers. Write your measurements down.
What is the best tool to measure deer antlers?
The most useful tool for measuring deer antlers is a flexible measuring tape. You might also use a yardstick for some measurements, such as the tip to tip measurement, but a flexible measuring tape is necessary. An ordinary metal measuring tape is not flexible enough to measure the main beams' lengths or the antlers' circumference.
What do you need to score a deer?
All you need is a flexible tape measure, a scoring sheet, and maybe also a yardstick for some measurements . If you have a scoring sheet and what you need to measure the antlers, it should be easy to figure it out.
How long do you dry deer antlers before scoring?
How to measure deer antlers for scoring purposes. First, your antlers should be very dry before you score them. Dry the antlers in the air for 60 days before you measure. An official scorer will not consider your antlers until they have dried for 60 days. Your antlers have to be in good condition to be worthy of an official score.
Why do you take points off antlers?
Take points off for lack of symmetry. A great rack of antlers is symmetrical and not only huge, so you have to take points off wherever the rack is not symmetrical. Add up the differences between each measurement on the right antler and each measurement on the left.
What is the greatest spread of antlers?
The greatest spread is the distance from the farthest point of any part of the left antler to the farthest point on the right. You can take this measurement at any point on the antlers, so long as it is where the longest distance you can measure is.
What club system do you use for whitetail deer?
Here, we will discuss the common Boone and Crockett club system for whitetail deer. If you go through the steps a bit carefully, you can get an accurate score yourself, but you can also have an official scorer judge your antlers.
Where to take circumferences of antler?
Circumferences must be taken at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the antler at the smallest place between typical tines, disregarding any non-typical tines that may be present. INSIDE SPAN OF MAIN BEAMS – Measure the inside span of the main antler beams at the widest place.
How to feel the thrill of hunting?
The thrill of the hunt, the camaraderie with friends, the hunting traditions, and the feeling of deep satisfaction that comes after exercising patience and skill is why we do this. Breathing in the fresh air, listening to the sounds of the woods, and feeling our heart start to pound when a BIG BUCK steps into your sights is an experience that cannot be fully understood until one does it. Hold your breath, aim, and smoothly release or gently squeeze.
What is a non-typical whitetail rack?
Non-typical Whitetail Rack. If your rack has irregular tines, or lengthy and complicated antlers, then it is considered “non-typical.” You will likely require the help and knowledge of a trained Measurer to score them properly.
Can you take deer without violating the law?
NOTE: All deer must be taken without violating the wildlife laws or ethical hunting practices of the country, state or province that was hunted and, furthermore, that the laws of the country hunted have not been violated by the taking or importing the animal.
How to measure antlers?
Start at the burr, where the antlers meet the skull. Twist your flexible measuring tape so that it follows the center of the lowest outside edge of the main beam over the outer side to the end of the main beam. Start with the right antler and then do a separate measurement for the left antler.
How old is a button buck?
There are a few indicators of age that depend on physical characteristics, though. A button buck is a buck that is somewhere between 6 and 12 months old. The buck has nubs on its head which have not protruded through the hide.
What is a good buck score?
The second point (called the G-2) is another key area in determining a buck's score. Good bucks will have at least seven or eight inch second points.
What documentation do hunters need to get a deer?
Hunters must provide necessary documentation, such as the date and county of the kill, and sign a “fair chase” statement when they bring in a set of antlers for measuring. Antlers in velvet or those that are broken and repaired or antlers separated from the skull plate cannot be officially measured for the state records list. If the lower jawbone of the animal was extracted during taxidermy or otherwise saved, it should be brought to the scoring session so biologists can determine the deer’s age. An accurate weight measurement at the time of the kill is also helpful.
How many deer antlers are there in South Carolina?
A total of 6,389 sets of white-tailed deer antlers, including 6,147 typical racks and 242 nontypical, are currently ranked on South Carolina’s all-time antler records list, according to Charles Ruth, Deer and Wild Turkey Project supervisor for DNR. Minimum scores for state record listing are 125 points for typical antlers and 145 points for nontypical antlers. Measurements are based on the Boone and Crockett system.
Where are the most deer in South Carolina?
Although record deer have been recorded from all counties, Aiken, Anderson, and Orangeburg counties have produced the greatest numbers in the past three to four years. Generally, larger deer are more abundant in areas that have fewer deer, as compared to parts of the state with high deer numbers, according to Ruth. Last year’s measuring sessions produced 222 new entries into the South Carolina records list, the third highest number of entries in the last 10 years.
How to measure deer antlers?
Measure the length of each normal point on each side, both left and right. Use the tape measure to determine the circumference of each point from the first burr and the first point and up to each additional point. Do this for both sides. Add all these numbers together to get your deer antler's score.
How to determine the spread of antlers?
Determine the number of points on each antler by counting. A point must be at least 1-inch long to be considered a true point. Measure the antlers from tip to tip to determine the spread. Start at the inside of the left main beam and measure to the inside of the right main beam. Use the tape measure to determine the greatest spread, ...
How to measure the length of an abnormal point?
Measure the main beam length. Start at the middle of the lowest outside edge of the burr to the outer side of the farthest point on the main beam. Measure the length of each normal point on each side, both left and right.
How to measure buck antlers?
Measure the thinnest place between each point, starting between the burr and G1. You will stop once you have measured between G3 and G4. If the buck does not have a G4 point, you will measure between G3 and the tip of the beam. Repeat on the other antler.
What letter is used to name antler points?
When naming antler points, the letter G is used. G1 refers to the 1st antler point, G2 refers to the second, and so on.
How to measure a rack for a burr?
Start with the tape measure at the burr edge. Measure all the way up to the tip of the beam on the outside. Write this measurement down and continue with the other side of the rack.
How many measurements of each side of a 10 pint buck?
Starting with the G1 point, write down the measurement for each point. If you are measuring a 10- pint buck you have 4 measurements of each side because the fifth point is the tip of the beam.
What do you need to measure deer antlers?
The only tools you need are a flexible tape measure and something to record the measurements with. Measurements will be taken to the nearest 1/8 inch mark. It does help to have a straight edge for measuring tine lengths as you will see in our pictures.
Where to measure antlers?
Measure the main beams of the antlers. This measurement is taken on the outside edge of each antler, starting at the base of the burr. From the base of the burr, follow the outside and center of the main beam all the way to the antler tip. Record both measurements.
What is the longest G measurement on a buck?
These measurements will be numbered for each tine and will start with a G. On a typical whitetail buck, the G1 will be the brow tine, the G2 (typically the longest G measurement) will be the next tine away from the skull, the G3 will be the next tine, etc. The last antler point before the main beam tip is the last G measurement you will record.
What is the gross antler score?
For most people, this gross antler score is all that you need to see where your deer’s antlers rank. A common phrase is “nets (meaning net score after deductions) are for fishermen”, but if you want to be entered into the record books, deductions will have to be subtracted from the gross score of the antlers. The deductions will be the differences between the left side tines, circumferences and all scorable abnormal points.
How to measure tines?
Measure the tines by marking a horizontal line where the main beam would be on the antler point and measuring from that line to the tip of the tine. Record your measurement for each tine.
How many inches are abnormal points?
An abnormal point must be at least one inch in length. Measure all abnormal points and record.
How to measure antlers?
Measure the main beams of the antlers. This measurement is taken on the outside edge of each antler, starting at the base of the burr. From the base of the burr, follow the outside and center of the main beam all the way to the antler tip. Record both measurements . Measure the inside spread of the main beams.
What is the gross antler score?
For most people, this gross antler score is all that you need to see where your deer’s antlers rank. A common phrase is “nets (meaning net score after deductions) are for fishermen”, but if you want to be entered into the record books, deductions will have to be subtracted from the gross score of the antlers. The deductions will be the differences between the left side tines, circumferences and all scorable abnormal points.
What is the G1 on a whitetail buck?
These measurements will be numbered for each tine and will start with a G. On a typical whitetail buck, the G1 will be the brow tine, the G2 (typically the longest G measurement) will be the next tine away from the skull, the G3 will be the next tine, etc.
Why do people hunt deer?
Some deer hunters are just out there for the sheer joy of spending a few well earned days at deer camp and are happy for a buck, any buck, and a doe or two for the freezers These guys and gals probably get more enjoyment from all aspects of the hunt than those that are strictly ‘head hunters’.
How many inches are abnormal points?
An abnormal point must be at least one inch in length. Measure all abnormal points and record.
How to measure buck tines?
Every whitetail rack, no many how many tines it has, gets four circumference scores (“H” on the B&C sheet) per side. Measure these with a flexible steel tape wrapped around the main beam. Take the first one at the smallest circumference point between the burr (the gnarly spot where the buck’s rack emerges from the skull) and the brow tine, or G-1. Take the subsequent measurements at the smallest point between the tines. (If the circumferences look uniform between the tines, I just take the measurement at the halfway point.) In the case of an 8-point buck, take the fourth circumference measurement halfway between the last tine (the G-3) and the end of the main beam.
How to measure tine length?
For tine length, stretch masking tape along the top edge of the beam, and then measure from the top of the tape to the tip of the antler. Scott Bestul
How to measure a beam?
Measure the main beam by taping a flexible cable along the outside, from the burr to the tip. Mark the end with an alligator clip.
Where to start measuring a cable?
Second, it can be tough to keep the cable in proper alignment as you stretch it along the length of the beam. Start from the lowest outside edge of the burr.
How to measure from the inside of one beam to the inside of the other?
Use a steel tape to measure from the inside of one beam to the inside of the other. Scott Bestul
