
For a whitetail deer
White-tailed deer
The white-tailed deer, also known as the whitetail or Virginia deer, is a medium-sized deer native to North America, Central America, Ecuador, and South America as far south as Peru and Bolivia. It has also been introduced to New Zealand, Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, the Bahamas, the Lesser A…
Pope
The pope, also known as the supreme pontiff, is the bishop of Rome and ex officio leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. Since 1929, the pope has also been head of state of Vatican City, a city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. The current pope is Francis, who was elected on 13 March 2…
What is the best scoring system for antlers?
There are multiple respected antler scoring systems used in the field, including Pope and Young , Safari Club International, and Boone and Crockett. Before you score your deer, make sure you have properly gutted it ( learn how to gut a deer here) and tagged it- check out our article explaining the deer tagging process!
How do you calculate gross antler score?
In this publication, gross antler score is the net typical Boone and Crockett score plus de- ductions (sum of column 3 on Figure 1) and the sum of non-typical point lengths, or the net non-typical score plus deductions.
Are white-tailed deer antler score important?
White-tailed Deer Antler Score: A Pictorial Presentation Introduction From a hunting and economic perspec- tive, white-tailed deer, Odocoileus vir- ginianus, is the most important wildlife species in the eastern half of the U.S. More landowners and hunters in this region are interested in white-tailed deer than in any other wildlife species.
What are the 3 measurements of antler?
The three antler measurements include the length of each main beam, length of tines jutting up off the main beams, and four mass or circumference measurements on each side. Here’s how to gross score a typical white-tailed buck using the Boone and Crockett Club system.

What is a good deer antler score?
For a typical whitetail, meaning the antlers are symmetrical, the minimum score is 125 inches. A non-typical whitetail must have a minimum score of 155 inches for entry. A typical mule deer has to tape out at 145 inches or greater, while a non-typical muley is eligible at 170 inches.
Is 140 a good deer score?
By comparison, most hunters consider a buck whose antlers score 120 inches in B&C system to be desirable. A 140-inch buck is a slammer, and a 150 is the buck of a lifetime for about 99 percent of today's hunters.
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.
Is a 130 class buck good?
But the fact is a 130 inch buck, is a very good, solid animal for most parts of the country. Sure, there are 140's, 150's and higher roaming the woods. But a 130 whitetail (in the wild, not on a preserve) is a fine buck.
How big is a 150 score 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.
What score is considered a trophy buck?
To make the Boone and Crockett Club's all-time records book, a typical whitetail will need a final score totaling 170 or more inches -- 195 inches for non-typical. For the club's three-year awards book, the minimum entry score is 160 typical -- 185 non-typical.
How big is a 160 class buck?
roughly 51-52 inchesFor this buck, a very symmetrical buck, we can total the antler measurements to be roughly 51-52 inches.
What age is a spike buck?
1-year-oldThe vast majority (usually greater than 95 percent) of spike bucks are yearlings (1-year-old deer) and nearly all yearling spikes grow substantially larger antlers later in life.
How big is a 160 buck?
This measurement is around 7-8 inches. After you have referenced your initial measurements you will be ready to start field scoring the buck. Take a look at the picture above to memorize the reference points.
How big is a 180 class buck?
For this buck, a very symmetrical buck, we can total the antler measurements to be roughly 51-52 inches.
Which states have the biggest deer?
Boone and Crockett's Top Whitetail States#1 – Wisconsin. Wisconsin is the #1 ranked state with 1,822 total entries and six counties in the top 20 U.S. counties with the most records produced. ... #2 – Illinois. ... #3 – Iowa. ... #4 – Minnesota. ... #5 – Ohio. ... #6 – Kentucky. ... #7 – Missouri. ... #8 – Kansas.More items...
How old is an 8 point buck?
Nearly all bucks with superior genetics and adequate nutrition have eight or more points when 2 years old. Bucks with inferior antler genetics may never have more than seven points, even when mature.
How can you tell a 140 deer?
Generally speaking, any 10-pointer with good mass, tine length, and spread ought to go 140". this is what i was told when i went on my first guided hunt. a good ten point outside of his ears with good mass and height is what you want. If it's an 8 point you are judging than you will instantly know to kill it.
How big is a 160 class buck?
roughly 51-52 inchesFor this buck, a very symmetrical buck, we can total the antler measurements to be roughly 51-52 inches.
What is considered a big 8 point?
Every deer hunter loves a big 8-pointer! It takes some impressive measurements for a buck to crack the 170-inch minimum to make it into the Boone and Crockett record book with only eight scorable points. In fact, it has happened less than 40 times in the club's storied history.
What is considered a Boone and Crockett buck?
Roughly, the abnormal points will need to total about 10 inches (current typical all-time records book minimum entry score is 110 and that for non-typical is 120), which means generally about three or four abnormal points on the rack.
What is antler scoring?
Antler scoring offers a consistent way to compare racks for hunters who are competitive.
What is the average antler score for a whitetail deer?
For a whitetail deer, the typical antler score needs to be 125 inches or better , and the non-typical antler score must be 155 inches or better.
What is the simplest method of scoring deer antlers?
BTR is by far the simplest method of deer antler scoring and gives credit for every inch of antler that the deer grows.
What was the first deer antler scoring system?
The B and C Club was the first to establish a standardized scoring system and so they have become the benchmark upon which most other records clubs set their deer antler scoring standards.
How big are whitetail deer antlers?
However for inclusion in the record books, a whitetail deer’s antlers must measure 130 inches to qualify for the typical category and 160 inches for the non-typical category.
What is the minimum size for a record book for a whitetail deer?
With the whitetail deer, the minimum for record book eligibility is 160 inches for typical and 185 inches for non-typical antlers.
How many H measurements are taken on a buck?
Regardless of the number of points, only 4 H (circumference) measurements are taken on any buck.
Why are antler scores important for deer?
Antler scores will help you monitor how well you are achieving those goals.
What should a deer be scored as?
Before starting, decide which category a buck should be judged in. If a deer has a large number of abnormal points, it should be scored as a non-typical. If it has none or just a few extra kickers sticking out, score it as a typical.
How many points does an 8 point buck have?
On an 8-point buck you’ll have three measurements (since the “fourth” point, the tip of the main beam, is already included in that main beam measurement). A 10-pointer will have four on each side, a 12-pointer five. Measure from where the point emerges off of the main beam.
How to measure deer head?
Make sure the rack is straight up and the rule is at a right angle to the length of the skull and parallel to the top of the deer’s head. Measure the widest point between the main beams in the middle of the two antlers.
What does putting a deer on a scale tell you?
Putting a deer on a scale tells you what its body looks like. Scoring gives you an idea of what its antlers look like.
What is the B&C scoring system?
The B&C system is an adaptation of a scoring system invented by big-game hunter Grancel Fitz in the 1930s. The one drawback of the system is the final net score penalizes asymmetry and extra kicker points if a deer is measured in the typical category.
When to use green score on buck?
That’s why the term “green score” is used if you measure a buck’s antlers before two months have elapsed. You can obtain more information on scoring from these organizations: Boone and Crockett Club; Safari Club International; Buckmasters.
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.
Do you know how to score a buck?
Our Whitetail Night and Christmas party is on December 7, 2017 where you will get a chance to see how to score deer antlers.
POINT DETERMINATION AND COUNT
American elk racks are often very symmetrical. Figure 6-A illustrates the locations of the normal and abnormal points (shaded in orange) on a typical bull’s rack. Additional normal points can arise from the top of the main beam after the normal G-6 point. Abnormal points may be present on mature bulls.
TYPICAL OR NON-TYPICAL
The first thing you need to do when you’re scoring an American elk is determine whether it should be scored as a typical or non-typical once you have identified the 6 or more normal points. In most cases it will be quite obvious. If there is any doubt, consider the number of abnormal points.
SPREAD MEASUREMENTS
The tip-to-tip and greatest spread measurements (Figure 6-C) are also supplementary data and are not figured into the final score. They are recorded on the score chart as they indicate the general conformation of the rack, and with the other measurements, help to give a more complete picture of antler conformation for the trophy.
MAIN BEAM AND POINT LENGTHS
The length of beam and antler point length measurements are taken by the use of the flexible steel cable or a 1/4-inch wide, flexible steel clip-end tape. The use of a round, flexible steel cable (such as a modified compound bow cable available from B&C) greatly speeds up the measuring process while yielding an accurate measurement.
POINTS
After the measurement of the beam lengths, the lengths of the normal points are recorded. Keep in mind the following general rules for American elk points:
CIRCUMFERENCES
Four and only four circumferences are always taken on American elk regardless of the number of normal points. The four circumferences locations (H-1, H-2, H-3, and H-4) illustrated in Figure 6-A on page 56 should only be taken with a ring-end measuring tape.
FINAL SCORE calculations
Now that you’ve taken the last measurement, you are ready to calculate the Final Score. You start in the upper right-hand corner of the score chart by totaling the lengths of the abnormal points for the right and left antlers.
What are the categories of antler scoring?from deer-hunting-success.com
Instead of using the two categories of typical and non-typical, the BTR system uses four antler scoring categories, which are perfect, typical, semi-irregular, and irregular.
How To Use the Antler Scoring System?from ambushhuntingblinds.com
You will need a flexible tape measure, pen and paper, and a yardstick (optional). Decide if you are going to score the antlers as typical or non-typical. All measurements are made to the nearest 8th of an inch. Let’s break down the antler scoring system into five easy steps.
How Do I Field Judge a Whitetail Deer?from imbmonsterbucks.com
Field judging whitetail deer or "scoring on the hoof" is a requirement for every whitetail hunter who wishes to harvest a record book animal without making a mistake and shooting a buck that is simply too small . We feel it is our job as a whitetail outfitting service to educate our hunters and the general public in regard to scoring whitetail deer. When you arrive for your hunt we hold an orientation with each hunter with a dozen whitetail bucks done by our taxidermist, and one of the issues we cover is teaching others how to score whitetail deer. The feat of field scoring a whitetail deer on the hoof can be a tad tricky, especially if your hunting a State or Region you are unfamiliar with. As a general rule of thumb there are several basic rules to field judging whitetail deer.
How many points are there in a whitetail deer?from imbmonsterbucks.com
As a general rule of thumb there are several basic rules to field judging whitetail deer. A. None of the first 300 whitetail deer that are listed in the Boone and Crockett Record Books are 8 Point Bucks. The reason for this is because an 8 Point Buck gets less measurements than a 10 Point buck, or any buck possessing more than 10 Points.
How to measure deer antler length?from wikihow.com
Total up the lengths from base to tip of each abnormal point on the right antler and on the left antler. This should be fairly easy and short unless your deer’s antlers are extremely abnormal.
What club do you need to get antlers?from wikihow.com
Receive an official score from the Boone and Crockett Club. In order to be entered into their awards program, you will need to contact a local Boone and Crockett Club and have an Official Measurer score your antlers.
How big are whitetail deer antlers?from deer-hunting-success.com
However for inclusion in the record books, a whitetail deer’s antlers must measure 130 inches to qualify for the typical category and 160 inches for the non-typical category.
What are the factors that determine the final score of a horn?
Know the Score: Horn length, prong measurement, and mass all play a part in the final tally.. Donald M. Jones
How to tell if a buck has a horn?
Tip: Use the distance between the tip of the animal’s nose and its eye (about 8 inches) or between its ears (12 inches) as a guide to horn length. Also look for a buck whose prongs protrude from the horn an inch or more above its ears.
How big are antelope horns?
Most hunters focus on this. A 12-inch antelope is average; 13, good; 14, exceptional. Record-book pronghorns often tape 15 to 16 inches. But horns that jut straight up appear longer than they really are, while those curling back and inward, or with ivory tips, appear shorter.
How many inches to add to horn?
The solution: Judge how much prong actually protrudes from the horn and then add about 2 inches for the width of the horn itself. A prong that extends 3 inches is excellent once you add those couple of inches.
How many times does a horn length have to be measured?
This is the most critical factor of all, because it’s measured four times after dividing each horn length into quarters. Good mass tends to make horn length and prongs seem shorter than they really are. Circumference is difficult to judge, even for veteran antelope hunters. Complicating things, some animals have partially flattened bases, making them score lower than antelope with more rounded bases. Basal circumference on outstanding bucks will measure 6 to 7 inches.
Who is the world record whitetail hunter?
Dustin Huff's incredible buck is the new world-record typical whitetail taken with a crossbow. Here's the full story of his hunt and lessons you can draw from it
How big is a buck's circumference?
Basal circumference on outstanding bucks will measure 6 to 7 inches.
Why are antler points numbered?
The reason antler points (tines) are called G-points, and are numbered, is because of where their lengths are recorded on a score sheet as well as the sequence in which they are scored using the B and C system. According to the scoring sheet, antler points are documented on Column G.
How to score a buck?
To score a typical buck (see video here ), you must measure the antlers in several different ways. Once you have all your measurement data, add up the numbers and subtract deductions for features that are different from one side of the rack to the other.
What are some nicknames for whitetail bucks?
Bad Boys. Bruisers. Booners. Many nicknames describe huge whitetail bucks, but I like Booner most. It means that the buck’s antlers are so big that they are listed in the Boone and Crockett record book.
What is the scoring system for big game animals?
The most commonly used scoring system for giving recognition to exceptional North American big-game animals is the Boone and Crockett (B&C) system . Here is some background on the Boone and Crockett record book, instructions on how to measure and score a buck, and information on what it takes for a buck to become a Booner.
How often are Booners added to the record books?
The newest Booners are added in every three years in their Awards book. Every six years, all-time qualifiers are added to the ongoing all-time records book. In addition to the typical and non-typical categories, the record books also offer two award categories: award and all-time.
How long does it take for antlers to dry?
Official measurements cannot be taken until antlers air dry at room temperature for 60 days. Any score calculated before the drying period is known as the “green score.”. For an “official” score, antler trophies need to be measured and scored by a trained and certified B&C measurer.
How far apart are deer ears?
The average buck with ears in an alert position has an ear tip-to-tip spread of 16 inches. His ears will measures 6 inches from the base to the tip. The circumference of his eye is 4 inches, and from the center of the eye to the end of his nose should measure about 8 inches. Use these “rulers” to estimate the score. With a little practice, you will be surprised how close your estimates will become.
How to measure antlers?from anycalculator.com
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 do you need to score your buck?from mossyoak.com
There are a few items you will need to measure your buck. It seems everyone has their preferred toolset and, eventually, you will too. Until then, here is what you need to get started:
Why is Scoring a Deer Important?from 1source.basspro.com
Citing a score pins down the description much more precisely. It's another physical trait that can be used in addition to weight to paint a mental picture of the animal.
How many inches should a buck's brow tine be?from 1source.basspro.com
Start with the eye guards or brow tines. This is often where bucks are lacking and where truly outstanding animals gain extra inches. A two to four inch brow tine is fairly typical. Five to six inches is excellent.
What are the measurements needed to get a Boone and Crockett score?from 1source.basspro.com
— all that can come later. Four measurements needed to get a Boone & Crockett score are inside spread, main beam, length of tines and mass.
Why is a buck's score important?from 1source.basspro.com
For one thing, a buck's score is a valuable way to describe how large the buck is.
How long should a third point be on a buck?from 1source.basspro.com
The third point may be shorter or longer than the second, but it too should be eight inches or longer on an outstanding buck. As with main beam, comparing point length to ear length (6-7 inches) is a good way to estimate tine measurements in the field.
How many points does a whitetail antler have?
The typical pattern of a mature whitetail’s antler development is an unbranched main beam that normally develops from three to seven (sometimes more) unbranched points per antler at roughly spaced intervals.
What are the major features of a B&C score for a whitetail deer?
The major features that make up a B&C score for a whitetail deer are: F - main beam length, G - point lengths, H - circumferences, and D - Inside Spread (not shown).
How to count whitetail points?
Points may be quickly counted by assuming that an overwhelming majority of mature whitetail bucks grow a brow tine on each antler and that the main beam tip usually lies almost horizontally. This allows us to count the standing normal points G-2, G-3, G-4, etc., and quickly add that to the number 2 (brow tine and beam tip). With this method you can quickly determine that a buck with two standing normal points per side is a 4x4 or 8-pointer, and with three standing points per side he is a 5x5 or 10-pointer, and so on, with the exception of Coues’ whitetail. Nearly all the bucks that make the records book have at least five normal points per side. The length of the points can be estimated using the same “rulers” we used for the main beams.
What does a Coues deer look like?
A mature Coues’ deer antler set may well look like a small whitetail set, although usually developed to a more “finished” look overall. Interestingly, the antler beams of Coues’ deer may well be nearly as thick as those on a mature whitetail.
What to look for in a whitetail buck rack?
When assessing a potential trophy’s score, we need to look at the lengths of the main beams, lengths of the points, the inside spread of the main beams, and the mass or circumference of the main beams at four locations.
How to tell if a buck is long or short?
Judging the length of the main beams is next. A general rule of thumb is to look for a buck whose main beams appear to extend forward as far as the tip of his nose. However, by using this criterion alone, a long-beamed buck might be passed over if you only have a side view and the buck has a wide spread and/or its antlers turn sharply in so that the main beam tips nearly touch. Also, be aware of the buck whose beams tower above its head before sweeping forward as this adds valuable inches to an otherwise average looking main beam. The actual main beam length is estimated using our ear length and eye to nose “rulers.”
What is a point on a whitetail deer?
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 points.
