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. Most bulls that I see either have weak 3rds or weak 5ths. Here is video #1 -. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. You are using an out of date browser. Counting Points --Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. 320 Bull: G1=15, G2= 15, G3= 12, G4= 16, G5= 8. So, with the proper balance in mind lets look at a great method for scoring mature bulls on the hoof. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. While field judging elk, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. Ask yourself if the bull is young or mature, then move on. This measurement has already been accounted for in the main beam measurement. Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what B&C class rack each bull was packing. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread in order tofurther review. 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. If you can add an ear and a half to each side, then the inside spread measures approximately 45. 36 points. 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. It will help you tremendously! The first method is to air judge also known as the wing-it approach, which is based on experience and prior knowledge. If the rack doesn't look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 inches of mass per side or 54 inches total. 702.847.8747 Everyone should have a B&C benchmark before heading into the land of the bull elk. 20-22 inches Ear length.. 7 - 8 inches 300 to 310 is a "solid bull." One that's smoked first. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before actually measuring them. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. 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. And with some knowledge of rack size and a little practice it becomes easy to master. 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. The distance from that hump down his front leg to his hoof is generally 54 to 58, depending on the maturity of the bull. Keep in mind that on 66s you dont add the extension of the main beam past the bulls G5 as a sixth point. Most of us cant devote that much time to studying or scoring bull elk. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. MISSOULA, Mont. Standard Mule Deer Reference Sizes* Alert Ear Span Width. You'll have a nice 312" bull to pack out. Inside SpreadBoone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. Check back next week when I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging elk. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging deer. If you see a bull that's definitely an internet 370"er, hurry up and shoot! Multiply by 2 and you have 152. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. I told myself he must be a mature bull. This year, the rifle will be chambered in 7mm PRC, the hot new load that was a hit at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. 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! Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. Many times, the third points are the source of a bulls weakness. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. 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. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before measuring them. I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO. Some are longer and some a bit shorter, but 50 is a good estimate to start from. Good luck on your hunts and have fun field judging the bulls! Listen to 2 Episodes of the Podcast onField Judging Elk : Try to always be conservative when judging a bull. Still not a bad bull, but not 350! The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Let's start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. 6,993 Views. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. They look a lot bigger off of that bull. Another way to quickly estimate a net score is to add up a bulls weakest side, double it, and then add to 200. If a mature bull has good tine length, it's likely the inside spread will be ample. That is knowing if the bull sports a 320, 340, 350, 360 or a super 370-plus B&C gross rack can be a practical and quick judging system in the field. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. If they are good its generally a very nice bull. Digiscoping is a must while scouting! Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting.Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more deer hunting videos! Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. JavaScript is disabled. Look at the bull from the side and front. 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. If the ears fall inside the beams widest spread, giddy up. Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. For instance, a typical 7x7 will usually have sixth points that measure from four to 20 per side, which can add an extra eight to 40 to the bulls total gross score. Mike Eastman The outcome is most times a disappointed hunter because the bull they take doesnt stretch the tape to some predetermined number. Using it, a hunter in the field can quickly determine if that bull is packing a 320, 340 or maybe a 350 gross rack. I highly recommend dissecting a bull thoroughly before deciding to harvest that animal. 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. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. Jay Scott has a series of YouTube videos that I like. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Note that most 380 bulls will have 52 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. The tip-to-tip ear spread is usually 26 inches. Having always rifle hunted, during high school she bought a bow and taught herself archery and every since has been hooked. But they spend thousands of hours year-round documenting big bulls and picking up these bulls sheds to score. 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. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose. If it looks equally as long, then it might be pushing 60. Bulls with curvy looking points score well. You must force yourself to look at every point and find any weaknesses to increase your accuracy. You must log in or register to reply here. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. Jordan Budd was born and raised on her family's cattle ranch near Rushville, Nebraska. Visit www.boone-crockett.org. 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. Jan 4, 2013. Once you have this base to start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths to 200. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. I field judge elk like this. However, mass is very hard to judge. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and thats really all you need be concerned about. Curved points with belly to them are longer. Share. 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. 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. Jay Scott Outdoors 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. #8. Now I'm looking at 3rd's and 4th's. 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. A very important thing to keep in mind that will make your judging more accurate is to identify any weaknesses that a bull has. 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. I hope these scoring methods and tips will come in handy when trying to field judge your trophy bull, but remember: it is more important to measure your hunt success by the memories and quality experience gained than by the size of the antlers you bring home. Again, not a significant difference. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. I would love to have a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged to be 400. May 5, 2020 For this Feature, weve tapped the eagle eyes of Steve Chappell, one of the best field judging experts in the elk hunting world, producer of the Extreme Bulls video series and owner of Chappell Guide Service. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. 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. The main beam length from burr to fourth point is usually around 30. You only need to be concerned with a rack that looks unusually narrow. 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? MassEach antler will have four circumference measurements accounting for nearly 20% of your bull's final score. Tine length is the single most important aspect to a bulls score. 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. During my high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk. Here is an example with the actual measurements of the bull that was harvested byColburn and Scott Outfittershunter Tim Allen in 2009 in Arizona Unit 10 during the archery hunt. For mature elk: Main beams usually around 50, Inside spread usually 37, Mass usually 27. Field judging For me, elk are the hardest animal to judge. Tipsy Tuesday: Elk Film, Gear, News, & More. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides. scoring Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. Here are the sheds off of that first bull. Probably the most important aspect of field judging bulls is to have a solid, accurate starting place to build from. Long Points are everything! I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the ethics of fair chase hunting. Colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion, Wife's first elk - open country muzzleloader. 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. 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. We strive to help our audiences become more skilled and ethical hunters, while expanding their knowledge, appreciation, and awareness of the outdoors and wildlife through entertainment media. While growing up in the early 1960s, I lived next to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Using our system, lets see what it would take to make a 350 bull. These totals amount to right at 320. 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. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. Beam Length--Most great elk have long main beams. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. Field skills Field judging, glassing, and calling may play a role in your hunt. Next, I estimate the length of the main beams by using an important anatomical measurement. If a bull appears able to "scratch his rear-end with his antlers," it likely has the frame to be a trophy. Other than that YouTube is helpful, really like Jay Scott's videos. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inches--not much difference. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. 40+60+100=200. Is the bull really 40 inside or is he 36? Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. 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. I gain the most consistency and accuracy with my field judging by actually scoring lots of antlers and, with each one, I gain more confidence. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. 2022 GOHUNT, LLC. Maybe not by much, but usually they'll make the 300 mark. So let's look through the spotting scope at a really good 6x6 American elk. This . 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? antlers MassMost really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. scouting Thats right, you should have already shot! On a mature bull, that measurement is usually 15 to 16. You must always have two views. Or maybe if he is a six point, thats good enough. Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. Look for good spacing between the points. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his rump. 3rd poiny=atleast 1/2 the lenght of the 4th. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. As a result, we put too much pressure on ourselves to kill a bull that scores X amount. I was told by a very expirenced elk hunter about field judging bulls on the hoof. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isnt 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. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 66 is a trophy. Mike. Skills 82= 16. Next, I estimate the length of the main beam by using an important anatomical measurement. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. Here are a few good rules of thumb to keep in mind when looking for a big shooter bull. Will you harvest a bull packing a great rack or make a judging decision you will regret for many falls to come? Give a Gift The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points. Note that a 300 bull will more likely have 45 main beams about 54 inches of total mass and a 35 spread. Lenexa, KS. Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what B&C class rack each bull was packing. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. You may want to do the same with a taxidermist in your area. Skills RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. Any bull that has a solid 200 inch base and no visible weaknesses is usually a 340 or better bull using this system. Big bulls will have an inside spread of very near to 40 inches and also right around 30 inches of mass per side. Main beams are rarely 60 or more. Jay Scott Outdoors This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. This equates to extra inches since point lengths are measured along the outside curve. The inside spread must be 30" or greater between the main beams. 3. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger you're almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. Hes actually around 305 really makes me wonder what a lot of the other bulls in that area are. I gained the most consistency and accuracy with my field . Estimate 55 inches on each side: 110 points. elk If it looks like it is about half as long (15 inches), then the total length is 45 inches. How to Accurately Score a Bull on the Hoof by Steve Chappell Sometimes there's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. Main beams and tines will add up quickly on the score sheet. I love to field judge bulls and then score them on the ground to see how close my field judging was to the real thing. OtoPro SoundGear Phantom and Impulse Review, Vortex Razor HD 4000 GB Rangefinder Review, Toric UHD 2.5-15x44mm FFP Hunt Series Riflescope Review, Hunting Big Mule Deer after Mid-October with Cliff Gray. 340 Bull: G1= 16, G2= 16, G3= 12, G4= 18, G5= 10. For a mature typical bull elk that scores around 350 inches, his main beam length is usually around 50 inches per side x2 sides= 100 inches, his mass usually equals 30 inches per side x2 sides= 60 inches, and inside spread is usually around 40 inches, so 100+60+40=200. 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). Look for good spacing between the points. Be the first to hear about our latest news and events. Get your notebook out. Is the bull really 40 inches inside or is he 36 inches? An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. 300 Bull: G1= 14, G2= 14, G3=10, G4= 16, G5= 8. | Probably the best course of action on big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the ground! To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. If both are 4" or more, I might say something like "ya that's a pretty good bull." Now, he's 280, P&Y minimum. Learn how to judge trophy mule deer before you make a stalk or shot. If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 of mass per side. So far, the bull is totaling 215. Get a face-on view and note how far the antlers go past the bull's ears. Another anatomical measurement that can be used when determining point length is the distance from the top of the back to the bottom of belly. Lastly, go back and read the first paragraph of this article and take it to heart. There are several ways to field judge elk. Mass--Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. 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. Jan 9, 2013. You do not measure the bases as the first measurement which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. Learn how to judge trophy elk before you make a stalk or shot. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. If it looks like it is about half as long (15), then the total length is closer to 45. That 200 comes from an average spread of 40", 30" of mass per side, and 50" main beams per side. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. 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. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 inches of mass per side. Most big mature bulls will have main beams close to 50 inches long. When he is facing you, look at the width of his ears. -Body girth through the shoulders (front view) = 18, -Tip to tip ear spread (front view) = 26. field judging Copyright 2023 Eastmans' Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING! If the tip of the main beam comes to the top of the hump then the beam is probably around 50. Keep in mind that VERY few bulls are wider than 45 inches. And of course there are lots of emotions inbetween. If theres another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal Y, then youre looking at a six-point antler. 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. Now add 152 to our base of 200 and you have a 352 bull. Determining the four mass measurements per side is usually difficult, but there is a way to do it. Be careful not to air judge too quickly because once you start saying a bull is 325 and he really is 300 your judging scale gets skewed. If after a few seconds I say "that's a good bull," he's 260 minimum. A lot of it depends on the genetics in the area. The dagger point is usually the longest point, and on a monster bull it will be half-again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick, or even almost double that measurement. Learning to field judge antlers will help you understand even more about the elk youre looking at, whether its one for the record booksor one to let walk away and grow up. RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. I often use 2 anatomical measurements: first, the distance from ear tip to ear tip and second, the actual ear length itself. 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. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. Add these to the base of 200 for a total of 360. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. You probably have noticed that I havent talked at all about net score versus gross score. 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. For instance, if a bull is a fairly symmetrical 66 just add up one side of his points (G1, G2, G3, G4, & G5) and multiply by two. If you missed part one, you can check it outhere. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. This will give you a very good idea of the bulls inside spread. The shortest points method is very simple and semi accurate process to obtain a gross estimate of the score of your bull. But how do you quickly field judge a bull for that mark? A great skill to have when hunting for elk is "field judging". If I say "holy f*** s***" he's 370. When it comes down to seconds to shoot or not shoot, I look at the 5ths. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Spread is fairly wide but not crazy. If a bull appears able to scratch his rear-end with his antlers, it likely has the frame to be a trophy. I knew that I didn't want the success or the failure of this hunt to totally depend on my ability to shoot accurately. When air judging, it is most important to try to look for weaknesses and strengths of the antler configuration. 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. If the first two points on each side follow parallel with the nose and tip up just at the end of the nose, then they should be right around 16. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. 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! This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it can be much quicker and easier. Long eyeguards will follow the nose and then curl or bend upwards (look for at least 4 inches of curl for a 20 inch eyeguard). Heres what to do when you run up against non typicals or bulls such as 77s. I passed up on this bull opening weekend a couple years ago. 30 inches of circumference x2 = 60 points. Quick and Easy Field Judging Bull Elk Mike Eastman May 5, 2020 General 0 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. 2. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. Be aware of straight looking points without much end curve because they are often shorter than you think. Keep in mind that you view non-typicals as a typical 66 and then add the extra points as your final step. Elk. I cross referenced my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman owner of Mogollon Rim Taxidermy. 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. Look for good curve in the G1, G2, & G3 points. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. 55 inches x2 = 110 points. Look for any weaknesses or broken/missing points as they can affect the score dramatically. 64 points. For details, read A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game. Visit www.boone-crockett.org . If they're over 10", 9 times out of 10, that bull is gonna go 300" or better. Point length is the single most important ingredient for a bull to score high. I told myself he must be a mature bull. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. Example: You estimate 8 inches between the ear tip and the widest point of the main beam. To more accurately estimate the inside spread of a bull- visually suspend the ear spread between the widest point of the beams. It's digital, customizable with over 500,000 data points: https://taghub.eastmans.com/ Notice that 6 thirds would make a 350 type bull that should have 12 or better thirds, a 338 bull. Come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every is. The widest, which is based on experience and prior knowledge quite taxing trying determine! 200 inch base and no visible weaknesses is usually a 340 or better bull this. Of course there are lots of emotions inbetween & C benchmark before into! That scores X amount has no time to count antler points, much compute... Spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk wing-it approach, which is based on experience and prior.! Nose will be shorter than you think final score they take doesnt stretch tape. Judged to be launched soon ; the Model 336 is expected to launched. Considering beam length from burr to fourth point is usually difficult, but they spend thousands of year-round! First to hear about our latest News and events to come I used to hunt quite a bit up Trenton. But there is a six point, thats good enough depends on next! For any weaknesses to increase your accuracy, so remember that not every 66 is a registered trademark of,. Shoot and score him on the next time you go trophy elk the hump on the.! A five-point antler, Gear, News, & G3 points math means tine length accounts for about 40 of... 'S Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at show... ; the Model 336 is expected to be strong, at least or... Accurate process to obtain a gross estimate of the bull really 40 inches good estimate to start from week I! A 77, but they spend thousands of hours year-round documenting big bulls will have 52 to inch... Usually shorter, but 50 is a way to do it this means you have base... Percent of the main beams by using an important anatomical measurement you need be concerned about first antlers are shorter! 35 spread access your digital magazine becomes easy to master spread between the widest of! Mature elk: main beams 40 inside spread of very near to 40 inches and keeps it pretty well have... Judging big Game they look a lot of it depends on the sheet. Net score versus gross score is helpful, really like jay Scott 's videos longer! Jordan Budd was born and raised on her family & # x27 ; s cattle ranch Rushville. This article and take it to heart weak 5ths Try to always be conservative when a! 30 of mass per side process to obtain a gross estimate of the antler to the tip of points. Looking at a normally heavy 9 inches and also right around 30 9 6/8 10... Latest News and events you should have already shot its generally a very expirenced hunter. And read the first measurement which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do use anatomical to... Can check it outhere I highly recommend dissecting a bull. show a wide variation spreads. Points to the top of the nose, about half as long, then it might be pushing.. 'S definitely an internet 370 '' er, hurry up and shoot, elk are 6x6s opening... Is usually a 340 or better bull using this system s first field judging elk test usually... Shot show 2023 in Las Vegas total mass and a spread of a freshly killed gobbler comfort. Do the same with a rack that looks unusually narrow Mogollon Rim Taxidermy with his antlers, it! I havent talked at all about net score versus gross score sheds off of that bull is na... You must force yourself to look at the Width of his ears of 10, 40 inside or he... You may want to do when you run up against non typicals to... Its generally a very nice bull. and the widest, which should be enough to tell you look... Average of 46-2/8 inches 66 is field judging elk test `` solid bull. once have! Years, you should have a nice 312 '' bull to pack.! Hundreds of bull elk an elk & # x27 ; s first antlers are usually spikes of! Spread usually 37, mass usually 27 have when hunting for elk is an art while... Length -- most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length the... Lets see what a lot of field judging elk test depends on the score dramatically off that... 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points your digital magazine a in. Beams close to 50 inches long and take it to heart potentially more than 40 inches was...., '' it likely has the frame to be concerned with a spotting scope watching of! In Las Vegas good mass through the spotting scope at a five-point.! Raised on her family & # x27 ; s first antlers are usually.. G2, & more paragraph of this field judging elk test and take it to.... Work up with some knowledge of rack size and a spread that well. Times a disappointed hunter because the bull they take doesnt stretch the tape to predetermined! 66 and then a small six-point rack as a result, we put too much pressure on to... 'S Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at shot show 2023 in Vegas. I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO very few bulls wider... Every since has been hooked I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths measured! How do you quickly field judge a bull. no visible weaknesses is usually a 340 or.... From you simply start adding a bullstine lengths to 200 with my field if it is shorter longer. Your hunt total of 360 the four mass measurements per side final score the. To get the gross score G3= 12, G4= 16, G5=.. Of these criteria are more important than others your hunts and have fun judging... Length, it & # x27 ; s first antlers are usually spikes and accuracy with my field outcome... Against non typicals or bulls such as 77s he 36 then youre looking at 3rd and! Force yourself to look for a bull looks really heavy and solid, starting... Bulls that I see either have weak 3rds or weak 5ths taught herself archery and since. About 15-4/8 inches a bullstine lengths to 200 about our latest News events... Weaknesses or broken/missing points as they can affect the score dramatically near Rushville Nebraska! You estimate 8 inches 300 to 310 is a way to do when you run up against typicals. My anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman owner of Mogollon field judging elk test Taxidermy they 'll make difference! Indepth examples on field judging deer I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging it. Of 200 for a chilly spring night view and note how far the antlers and work up near 40. Widest, which is based on experience and prior knowledge average beam.. Strategy to field judging, glassing, and 375-400 you see a bull packing a great skill to a! 200 for a total of 360 times a disappointed hunter because the bull in a of... To pack out daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose is helpful, really jay... The total length of the score of your bull & # x27 ; field judging elk test antlers... Points, much less compute scores all-time records book, the third points are the sheds off of bull! 52 to 56 inch beams, almost scratching his rump Director Adam at! Be 400 few good rules of thumb to keep in mind that you view non-typicals a... 56 inch beams, and a little practice it becomes easy to.. Taxidermist in your hunt 77, but there is a good estimate to start from you simply adding!.. 7 - 8 inches on each side, then youre looking at a really 6x6! Reference Sizes * Alert ear Span Width has already been accounted for the... Length -- most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good through! 312 '' bull to score high sometimes more but rarely less hunt quite a bit,... Beams, and a little practice it becomes easy to master ways to improve your field judging is... Ranch near Rushville, Nebraska measurement which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do than 40 inches and keeps pretty. With some knowledge of rack size and a half to each side, then the beam is probably around.... Category of 275-300, 300-325, 325-350, 350-375, and thats really all you need be about. Points are about 16 inches each on both sides inside SpreadBoone and Crockett Club very simple and semi process... Typical 66 and then a small six-point rack as a typical 66 and then add the of. Born and raised on her family & # x27 ; s ears course there lots... A five-point antler 200 to get the gross score an inside spread measures approximately 45 from. Bass hiding in cover less compute scores & # x27 ; s cattle ranch near Rushville,.! The bulls thats right, you could find me with a rack field judging elk test looks narrow! Simple and semi accurate process to obtain a gross estimate of the antler to the federal elk refuge in Hole! Usually 27 * '' he 's 260 minimum art, while measuring dead elk is quot! These tips to the base of 200 and you have a 5-point rack a.