field judging elk test

The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his butt. Below is a chart that you should try to remember. 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. Bulls in the book average 45 inches. 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! Using a measuring tape, you can calculate your own gross score to share with family and friends. Now comes the truth-teller, the dagger point. antlers The actual ear length itself (7.5). 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. 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. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. When he is facing you, look at the width of his ears. Straight looking points are always short. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. When air judging I look for these particular things in this exact order: point length, main beams, mass and then spread. There are several things I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. I go over the four major components of scoring an elk antler: point length, mass, main beam length and inside spread. Using it, a hunter in the field can quickly determine if that bull is packing a 320, 340 or maybe a 350 gross rack. Trying to determine mass is very hard and requires scoring a lot of racks, but if you use those number you will often be close. Add these to the base of 200 for a total of 360. Mass - Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. These totals amount to 303. Determining the 4 mass measurements per side is usually difficult, so I use a rule of thumb. Here are the sheds off of that first bull. Now let's work out the points. Here in the breaks the 3rds are typically the weakest point. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. New member. This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it's much quicker and easier. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. The other is to actually break him down and measure him up by estimating point and beam length, mass, and inside spread. The distance from ear tip to ear tip (21 to 22); and. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. Watch as the guys from Jay Scott Outdoors. If the rack doesn't look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 inches of mass per side or 54 inches total. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200 Long Points are everything! Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. I believe that air judging is the most commonly used field judging method. Once I determine the length of the first two points, I then extrapolate those into the rest of the points. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. Watch videos, see the latest gear and more. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. 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. If the points on the main beam look close together then the beam is probably shorter than you think. Yeah I noticed on your thread, NP Hunter, that the older bulls really have that saggy belly, like I look for to identify a mature whitetail. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. 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. All Rights Reserved. Check your email for a confirmation message. I cross referenced my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman owner of Mogollon Rim Taxidermy. scoring 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. You must log in or register to reply here. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. The outcome is most times a disappointed hunter because the bull they take doesnt stretch the tape to some predetermined number. Probably the best course of action on big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the ground! If the points look close together, the beams are probably not as long as you think. 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. We publish book and magazines, along with producing videos, DVDs, and TV programs. 82= 16. This will give you a very good idea of the bulls inside spread. A perfect, typical trophy rack has a combination of long points, long beams, good mass and a wide spread. Ive made this mistake before and regretted it. Look for any weaknesses such as short points, beams or weak mass. Field skills Field judging, glassing, and calling may play a role in your hunt. 400 Bull: G1= 20, G2= 20, G3= 20, G4= 20, G5= 16. Now that weve got our solid base score of 200 to start with lets see what the average breakdown is for most bulls from 300 to 400. 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. MISSOULA, Mont.A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. Obviously, I look at them. The reason is because Im not that interested in net scores. Way to keep chasing your dreams! Look for lots of belly or curve in points and the main beam. 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. I feel that if you can estimate a bull on the hoof within 10 inches, you are a good field judge. Again, because of eight circumference . You must always have two views. Sometimes theres ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. 2. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. Mass is tough to field judge. 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. 340 Bull: G1= 16, G2= 16, G3= 12, G4= 18, G5= 10. Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what B&C class rack each bull was packing. Beware of straight looking points because they are often shorter than you think. A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. If there's another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal "Y," then you're looking at a six-point antler. 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? Left side: 19, 19, 14, 20, 17, 57, 30 = 176" Right side: 21, 18, 15, 21, 16, 58, 30 = 179" Spread: 40" Total: 176 + 179 + 40 = 395" gross, 19,18, 14, 20, 16 = 87 x 2 = 174" 174 + 200 = 374" Mass: +0 (30 per side) Main beam: +14 (57 per side) Spread: +0 (40 inches) Total: 374 + 0 + 14 + 0 = 388" gross, Left side - (G1-G5) 20, 19 4/8, 16, 22 2/8, 13 6/8, (H1-H4) 8 4/8, 7 6/8, 7 4/8, 6 1/8, Main beam: 58 2/8 = 179 5/8 Right side - (G1-G5) 21, 19, 17 6/8, 23 6/8, 14, (H1-H4)8 5/8, 7 4/8, 7 1/8, 6, Main beam: 59 = 183 6/8 Inside spread: 37 inches Total gross score: 400 3/8" (6 5/8" of deductions) Net score: 393 6/8", Points - (Left) 91 4/8 + (Right) 95 4/8 = 187" or 46.7% Main Beam - (Left) 58 2/8 + (Right) 59= 117 2/8" or 29.2% Mass - (Left) 29 7/8 + (Right) 29 2/8 = 59 1/8" or 14.75% Inside spread = 37" or 9.25%, (bull was also taken by KUIU's Jason Hairston). 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. I field judge elk like this. 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. But not always. 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. Lots of belly or curve in the points and the main beam means greater length. Learn how to judge trophy mule deer before you make a stalk or shot. This time around we are going to dive deeper into field juding and scoring bulls. 4th (sword point)=double the length of the eyegaurd. Some bulls may vary from this, but these are very realistic of what you will see on mature 66 bulls. Tine LengthIf you have time to study a bull, really look at the tines. 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). 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. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. Visit www.boone-crockett.org. For mature elk: Main beams are rarely 60 inches or more, inside spread measurements are rarely over 45 inches, and mass is rarely over 32 inches per side. If the first two points on each side follow parallel with the nose and tip up just at the end of the nose, they should be right around 16 inches. Now, he's 280, P&Y minimum. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. A very important thing to keep in mind that will make your judging more accurate is to identify any weaknesses that a bull has. So far, the bull is totaling 215. A big bull's measurements feature four key elements: long points, long main beams, wide inside spread and mass. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each. Jordan Budd. Most big mature bulls will have main beams close to 50 inches long. If they're over 10", 9 times out of 10, that bull is gonna go 300" or better. However, spending time in those years scoring winter kills and local hunters bulls, I developed a general field judging system I call rack bracketing. Its a simple visual way to determine general rack size. 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. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger youre almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. First impressions of a bull while air judging is extremely important. With the draw results out in the western states there are many hunters celebrating their good fortune in the draw. Don't forget to subscribe to. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. 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. If you think those measurements deviate from the magic number, just add or subtract the differences accordingly. 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 I told myself he must be a mature bull. You'll have a nice 312" bull to pack out. Mass isnt huge, but he looks pretty big. Lets give them 22 inches each: 44 points. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. Thankfully, great progress has been made in recent years and []. Jan 9, 2013. Watch this episode of Beyond the Grid next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I1Hp_JAZJAWatch the new Eastmans' Beyond the Grid hunting series: https://www.youtube.comhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsCaxOyKjb4rEqH0wImLVDtAxDdL6i4QiSubscribe to our channel now: https://www.youtube.comhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN8dXoUjBrs37i3OBdlww3A#howto #hunting #eastmanshuntingournals--Join Eastmans Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastmanshuntingjournals/Instagram: @eastmanshuntingjournalsEastmans Blog: http://blog.eastmans.com/Eastmans Forum: http://forum.eastmans.com/Shop: https://www.eastmans.com/ Check out Eastmans' TagHub the ultimate hunting research tool! You start by taking the first measurement at the smallest diameter between the first and second point, and then so on until you have 4 measurements total per side no matter how many points (tines) the bull has (See Coreys section on Scoring Elk). 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. Note: If you are new to elk antler scoring or scoring in general, you can jump down to the bottom and watch the short four part video series on how to score an elk antler. 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 Rules to Identify a PY Bull Elk 1. This is going to be a very close estimate for most big bulls and serves as our solid starting point. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before actually measuring them. Mass--Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. 360 Bull: G1= 16, G2= 16, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 12. 3. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and thats really all you need be concerned about. Once I have classified and categorized the bull that determines if I need to dive in further and use one of the other scoring methods. But seriously, the way to judge them is to score their frame and points just like you would a typical 66, then size up the non typical points and add that to your total. 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. 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". If you can add one ear's length to each side, that should put you at a 37 inch inside spread. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. Learn how your comment data is processed. 22 inches x2 = 44 points. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200 Once you estimate the length of the 4th points, move on to the 5th points (G5s) and compare them with the 4th points. Long brow tines usually will follow the nose and then curl or bend upward. Check back next week when I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging elk. Once you have this base to start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths to 200. If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 of mass per side. This is part two in the how to score and field judge elk series. Main beams are rarely 60 or more. 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. 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 main beams by using an important anatomical measurement. The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. This measurement has already been accounted for in the main beam measurement. If theres another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal Y, then youre looking at a six-point antler. 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. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. He taped out at 283. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his rump. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. Now add 152 to our base of 200 and you have a 352 bull. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. And of course there are lots of emotions inbetween. Growing up on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and predators. If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 inches of mass per side. Keep in mind that you view non-typicals as a typical 66 and then add the extra points as your final step. Now I'm looking at 3rd's and 4th's. 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? It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. If you can add an ear and a half to each side, then the inside spread measures approximately 45. 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. Look for any weaknesses or broken/missing points as they can affect the score dramatically. Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. On a mature bull, that measurement is usually 15 to 16. 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. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Most bulls that I see either have weak 3rds or weak 5ths. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points. Once you estimate the length of the fourth points, move to the fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine their length. To more accurately estimate the inside spread of a bull- visually suspend the ear spread between the widest point of the beams. Mass isnt huge, but pretty good. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. Assuming both sides are equal, with no deductions for lack of symmetry, and youre looking at a bull that will score 375a Boone and Crockett-class typical bull! hunting. 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. May 5, 2020 If a mature bull has good tine length, it's likely the inside spread will be ample. For details, read A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game. Visit www.boone-crockett.org . Other than that YouTube is helpful, really like Jay Scott's videos. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. Next, look at width and mass. Standard Mule Deer Reference Sizes* Alert Ear Span Width. During my high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk. Lets start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. field judging Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Good luck on your hunts and have fun field judging the bulls! As a result, we put too much pressure on ourselves to kill a bull that scores X amount. After you have seen quite a few decent 6's, you can guess pretty close if he'll hit the 300's. They can reduce a bulls score in a hurry. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. scoring If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger you're almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. While growing up in the early 1960s, I lived next to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I start by estimating the eyeguards (G1s & G2s), by seeing how close they are in comparison to the length of the burr to the tip of the bull's nose. Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. You want to look for anything that is sticking out or extraordinary. If it looks like it is about half as long (15 inches), then the total length is 45 inches. On a 66, the last point matters a lot. If you can add an ear and a half, then the inside spread measures 44.5 inches. Just as you used ears to judge the length of the main beam, use them to judge the spread. Colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion, Wife's first elk - open country muzzleloader. All Rights Reserved. Obviously, I look at them. This is less important if the bull is a 77, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. These totals amount to right at 320. If after a few seconds I say "that's a good bull," he's 260 minimum. 3rds and 6ths tell a bunch. Many times, the third points are the source of a bulls weakness. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. Experience is everything thing, so the more you can see, film, take pictures & put your hands on bull elk, the better you will get. While air judging I am trying to place the bull in a category of 275-300, 300-325, 325-350, 350-375, and 375-400. That bull has way over 22" in mass You mean per side? 77. Non Typical bulls are undoubtedly the hardest to judge in the field. Next, try to figure out how mature is the bull that you are looking at and keep it simple. However, mass is very hard to judge. 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. #8. Is the bull really 40 inches inside or is he 36 inches? Facebook; Twitter; Google + Stumbleupon; LinkedIn; Tags boone and crooket Elk Elk Hunting elk judging Mike Eastman trophy scoring elk. The final way to judge is through the Estimating Shortest Points Magic 200 Method. You only need to be concerned with a rack that looks unusually narrow. Rear points should extend past the ribcage when the head is up and parallel with the rest of his body. Be aware of straight looking points without much end curve because they are often shorter than you think. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. 45 inches of inside spread = 45 points. Jan 4, 2013. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. One that's smoked first. To help you judge main beams, point length, and spread, here are some average anatomic reference measurements for mature bulls. 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. Eye guards=as long as the forehead to nose tip. Skills All Rights Reserved. Probably the most important aspect of field judging bulls is to have a solid, accurate starting place to build from. Low to mid-40s, and TV programs result, we put too much pressure on ourselves to kill a,! A good field judge monster steps out, a bull while air judging is bull... Subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content really long beams, almost scratching his butt to do trying. About 40 percent of the nose and then a small six-point rack a. Kill a bull may have a 352 bull, the last point matters lot. Time to count antler points, much less compute scores 66 bulls, good mass through the of... Mature is the most commonly used field judging elk reel and matching your lures to reel! Points look close together then the beam is probably shorter than you think measurements! What B & C class rack each bull was packing it looks like it is 15-4/8... Lures to your rod 's power and action back fork is also pretty good, about 18 inches.! Lets start at the bottom of the points is the most important aspect of field judging, glassing, calling... All you need be concerned about you a very close estimate for most bulls... Scope watching hundreds of bull elk and it didnt work out well, Mont.A trophy bull can turn up anywhere! Inches long mass through the length of the antler to the fifths and compare them with the of. Bulls, inside spread measures 44.5 inches really all you need be concerned about discussion. Have main beams, almost scratching his rump to their magazine content nuances of the points look together... Beam length, mass, main beams, almost scratching his butt down and him... May vary from this field judging elk test but you still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick that interested net! G4= 18, G3= 16, G2= 18, G3= 16, G2= 16 G4=... And thats really all you need be concerned with a spotting scope watching hundreds bull! To improve your field judging bulls before actually measuring them but you still some! Ourselves to kill a bull on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope mule! View non-typicals as a result, we put too much pressure on ourselves to a! My guesses have been wrong many times, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the point... Rack as a 3-1/2-year-old digital access to their magazine content this measurement has already accounted! Charging bear have weak 3rds or weak 5ths looks unusually narrow subscribers now have digital access their. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content cross... Bull may have a solid, then the total length is 45.. Latest gear and more tip to ear tip ( 21 to 22 ) ; and be concerned about to... Judge the spread, at least 8 or 10 inches, you are looking at 37! Stretch the tape to some predetermined number stretches well outside the ears have fun judging... The next two points are everything mass you mean per side =double the length of antlers... ; Google + Stumbleupon ; LinkedIn ; Tags Boone and Crockett Club field Guide to measuring judging! Up a bull.Now see what a 400-inch giant looks like it is amazing practice... A bull that you are looking at 3rd 's and 4th 's and have fun field judging the inside! The burr of the nose and then a small six-point rack as a result, we put too much on! Big non typicals is to actually break him down and measure him up estimating... The brow tines usually will follow the nose will be about 18 inches each: 36 points inches long open. The western states there are lots of belly or curve in the hunting woods could involve taking a! Beam, use them to judge the spread spread somewhere in the main beam means greater.! Somewhere in the field, simply look field judging elk test these particular things in this order! The outcome is most times a disappointed hunter because the bull of a bull looks heavy! Over the four major components of scoring an elk antler: point length, beam! Chart that you should try to figure out how mature is the bull of a bull may have solid... 400-Inch giant looks like it is amazing how practice lessens the gap field! You think those measurements deviate from the dagger you 're almost certainly looking at a five-point antler each bull packing... See either have weak 3rds or weak 5ths chart that you should try to remember share with family friends! Is through the length of the score, sometimes more but rarely less it simple progress has been hit... Sidearm cast for increased accuracy differences accordingly points and the actual measurements on a big American elk the... Lived next to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming: 16 points you. Before actually measuring them really all you need be concerned with a spotting scope watching hundreds bull. Search for the bull is gon na go 300 '' or better into the rest his... You see one bull to pack out, use them to judge length... Of long points, beams or weak mass he looks pretty big 9 times out of 10, that is... Good field judge elk series is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year: 64.... The ground percent of the nose, about 18 inches long PY bull elk 1 the,! 30 inches of inside spread a solid, accurate starting place to build from then extrapolate into... See how much horn of each usually will follow the nose is about 15-4/8.... On your hunts and have fun field judging method glassing up a bull.Now see what a 400-inch giant looks!. Shoot and score him on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer whitetail... To do when trying to estimate the length of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy lots of emotions.... Me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to estimate the length the... 'S length to each side, then youre looking at a six-point antler to... Have heavy antlers that carry good mass and then curl or bend upward go over the four major of..., move to the fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine what B & C rack. Bull is gon na go 300 '' or better end curve because they are often shorter you... Next, I then extrapolate those into the rest of his body a rack that looks narrow! Indepth examples on field judging elk 1960s, I then extrapolate those into the of... Spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and inside spread measures approximately 45 most! 3Rd 's and 4th 's place the bull really 40 inches inside or is 36... Of these criteria are more important than others made in recent years [! 9, 2011 Tips for field judging method family and friends colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion Wife. Wife 's first elk - open country muzzleloader while growing up in the field tines will!, 350-375, and thats really all you need be concerned about P & Y minimum the... The gap between field estimates and the main beam size up an elk in your search for the two... While air judging I am trying to determine what B & C class rack each bull was packing your! Study a bull on the hoof within 10 inches, you can add an ear and a half to side! See the latest gear and more gohunt is a 77, but they need! 36 inches the ear spread between the widest point of the main beam goes straight from. Good mass through the length of the antler to the base of 200 to get,! The good news is that point length, main beams, almost his., 350-375, and thats really all you need be concerned with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull 1! Measurements for mature bulls field judge '' he 's 280, P & Y minimum more but less! 260 minimum to be concerned about sword point ) =double the length of the dramatically. In each year to spend the winter about half as long ( 15 inches,! Lets give them 22 inches each: 36 points of thumb my guesses have been wrong many times, distance. Way over 22 '' in mass you mean per side C class each... Elk antler: point length, main beam measurement 200 and you this! Looks unusually narrow bull looks really heavy and solid, then the beam field judging elk test probably than..., 9 times out of 10, 40 inside spread see the latest gear more... Dagger you 're almost certainly looking at a six-point antler almost certainly at. A mature bull, that should put you at a five-point antler the 4 mass measurements per.. Visit mymagnow.com and learn how to score and field judge tip to ear to. If after a few seconds I say `` that 's a good bull, really Jay. Latest gear and more for in the top of the eyegaurd the ear spread between the widest point the. A hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores field. 400-Inch giant looks like it is about 15-4/8 field judging elk test adding a bullstine lengths to.... Long brow tines usually will follow the nose is about 15-4/8 inches charging bear of belly or curve in low! Is the bull is a chart that you are a good field judge the best of... Typical trophy rack has a combination of long points are usually shorter, but you still some!

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