field judging elk testfield judging elk test

field judging If you can add an ear and a half, then the inside spread measures 44.5 inches. General When field judging, many methods use a system that allows you to estimate tine length based on reference from the animal that is constant such as the ears. So far, the bull is totaling 215. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. Jordan Budd. Next, look at width and mass. Subscriber Services. First, look for the number of points. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd, it usually is. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. 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). It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation celebrates National Volunteer Week by shining a spotlight on the significant contributions of its volunteer army in [], Go to Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls and sign up for your chance at a full elk hunting set up from Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls and [], Were still dreaming of the day when suppressor ownership is legal in all 50 states. Inside Spread--Boone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. Scoring mounted bulls is a great way to improve your skills as well. I field judge elk like this. 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. Is the bull really 40 inches inside or is he 36 inches? Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. 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. 1. 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. 3rd poiny=atleast 1/2 the lenght of the 4th. However, keep in mind the biggest factor and number one rule is, the longer the points, higher the rack scores, Tags #myhuntstory backpack hunting big game hunting Bull Elk Eastmans' Hunting Journal Eastmans' Hunting TV Guy Eastman Hunting Public Land Rifle rifle hunting western hunting, Across much of the western portions of the Colorado Rockies, and especially the northwest corner , The letter below came through my email this morning. Look for good curve in the G1, G2, & G3 points. You are using an out of date browser. Once you estimate the length of the fourth points, move to the fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine their length. Lo Herbert Cooke: Thank you Steve! Maybe not by much, but usually they'll make the 300 mark. I highly recommend dissecting a bull thoroughly before deciding to harvest that animal. | The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. We publish book and magazines, along with producing videos, DVDs, and TV programs. A bull for the book needs to have the complete package. Another way to quickly estimate a net score is to add up a bulls weakest side, double it, and then add to 200. If you see a bull that's definitely an internet 370"er, hurry up and shoot! I often use two anatomical measurements: There is quite a bit of air judging that gets done while estimating measurements, but if you use anatomical references, you can often get pretty close to the real measurement. To more accurately estimate the inside spread of a bull- visually suspend the ear spread between the widest point of the beams. Inside spread measurements are rarely over 45 and mass is rarely over 32 per side. The only way to really estimate the inside spread of a bull elk is for him to face you. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a holding company engaged in publishing. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. Learn how to judge trophy mule deer before you make a stalk or shot. This is less important if the bull is a 7x7, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. Of course, there is a great shortcut for judging bulls that uses 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 one side to the other and estimate shortest points. 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. This series is based on "How to Score an Elk Antler and Field Judge Elk" per the Boone and Crockett scoring system. Colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion, Wife's first elk - open country muzzleloader. 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. Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what B&C class rack each bull was packing. If you think those measurements deviate from the magic number, just add or subtract the differences accordingly. Is the mass heavy or light? Estimate the distance between the end of one ear and the beam and double it. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. Some are longer and some a bit shorter, but 50 is a good estimate to start from. Id be hunting the San Carlos Reservation every year! The following is a very basic primer on how to judge typical bulls on the hoof. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. Is the bull really 40 inside or is he 36? 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). Bulls in the book average 45 inches. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Heres what to do when you run up against non typicals or bulls such as 77s. Beam LengthMost great elk have long main beams. Hunter Guy Eastman breaks down how to use the Boone & Crockett scoring system for trophy elk. I think if a bull grows it, he should get credit for it. 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. This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it's much quicker and easier. I equate the adjectives I use to describe the bull into scored. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. Jordan Budd was born and raised on her family's cattle ranch near Rushville, Nebraska. But they spend thousands of hours year-round documenting big bulls and picking up these bulls sheds to score. Jay Scott has a series of YouTube videos that I like. It's digital, customizable with over 500,000 data points: https://taghub.eastmans.com/ Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6x6 is a trophy. Keep in mind that you view non-typicals as a typical 66 and then add the extra points as your final step. The reason is because Im not that interested in net scores. 36 points. Field Judging Rules to Identify a PY Bull Elk 1. Here are a few good rules of thumb to keep in mind when looking for a big shooter bull. First impressions of a bull while air judging is extremely important. If it looks equally as long, then it is 60 inches. A 350 bull must have an average of 16 inches for his G1 through G4 points and 10 inch G5s to be about 350. There is quite a bit of "air judging" that gets done while estimating measurements, but if you use anatomical references, you can often get pretty close to the real measurements. Once you estimate the length of the 4th points, move on to the 5th points (G5s) and compare them with the 4th points. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. He told me that if I think I'm looking at a 350" bull, to start with a base score of 200. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at Read More Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. Many times we hunters get overly caught up with trophy hunting. Beam Length--Most great elk have long main beams. 3rds and 6ths tell a bunch. Most of us cant devote that much time to studying or scoring bull elk. I field judge elk like this. Las Vegas, NV 89113. 1. I sat down with Craig Steele ofExclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart an elk's rack. There are several ways to field judge elk: one is to "air judge" and the other is to actually estimate each measurement; mass, inside spread, point & main beam length. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. Don't forget to subscribe to. While field judging elk, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. 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". Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the ethics of fair chase hunting. Is the main beam really 50 or is it 53? Check your email for a confirmation message. Measure the brows against the face. A lot of it depends on the genetics in the area. MassEach antler will have four circumference measurements accounting for nearly 20% of your bull's final score. We have lots of whitetail here in Missouri and a small herd of Steve Peters: Best of luck to you out there, Herb. 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. scouting If you add these totals up for main beams, spread, and mass from both sides you get 200 inches. 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. How to Add Casting Distance to Reach Bigger Fish, 7 Things to Ponder Before Buying a Fishing Kayak, Exotic Fishing Paradise Awaits in South Florida, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection, Classic Marlin: 336 and 1894 Lever-Action Hunting Rifles, NWTF's Passion for Wild Turkey Conservation Still Burns After 50 Years. Again, not a significant difference. . Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. 2023 Western Hunting Application Deadlines, New feature released on Insider Hunt Planner, Point Tracker: Your first step in researching hunts, How to import waypoints from other sources to GOHUNT Maps, Dialing in your fitness now to be ready for fall, Research your way to big bucks with a tool you're probably not using, The ABCs of finding a legit hunting partner. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. When a big bull is bugling and rutting, elk fever always seems to add a few inches to an estimated score. 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. I often use 2 anatomical measurements: first, the distance from ear tip to ear tip and second, the actual ear length itself. Now of course to be real here, I know that when we do draw a premium elk tag that we want to make the most of the tag. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. If after a few seconds I say "that's a good bull," he's 260 minimum. Do your best not to overestimate your shortest points. If they are good its generally a very nice bull. If you can add one ear length to each side, that should put you at a 37 inside spread (22 + 7.5 + 7.5 = 37). 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. Keep in mind that very few bulls are wider than 45 inside. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his rump. Sometimes there's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. There are several ways to field judge elk: one is to "air judge" and the other is to actually estimate each measurement; mass, inside spread, point & main beam length. 2. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Mass is usually less than 20 percent. Now, he's 280, P&Y minimum. 82= 16. For quick judging try this. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Trying to determine mass is very hard and requires scoring quite a few racks, but if you use those numbers, you will often be close. Big bulls will have an inside spread of very near to 40 inches and also right around 30 inches of mass per side. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread in order tofurther review. Skills RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. MISSOULA, Mont.A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. If they're over 10", 9 times out of 10, that bull is gonna go 300" or better. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Be careful with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it can make your score go up or down drastically. I told myself he must be a mature bull. Field judging elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is a science. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is a science! Most big mature bulls will have main beams close to 50 inches long. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inchesnot much difference. Estimating a bull's measurements allows you to really break down a bull, to insure you are as accurate as you can be. Is the mass heavy or light and how does it compare to 30 per side? 360 Bull: G1= 16, G2= 16, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 12. Look for lots of belly or curve in points and the main beam. These totals amount to 303. 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. Inside SpreadBoone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. He taped out at 283. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! I decided to cross reference my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman of Mogollon Taxidermy. 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! Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! Now add 152 to our base of 200 and you have a 352 bull. Growing up on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and predators. The tip-to-tip ear spread is usually 26 inches. Live video & images will help you get to the next level. 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. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 66 is a trophy. 6th=ifit passes his huanch (or ass) 7th=bonus. scoring Multiply by 2 and you have 152. 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. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging deer. antlers Now comes the truth-teller, the dagger point. Jay Scott Outdoors Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it, and then add them up. All Rights Reserved. When he's facing you, look at the width of his ears. Watch videos, see the latest gear and more. Below is a chart that you should try to remember. 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. This is going to be a very close estimate for most big bulls and serves as our solid starting point. It might be that each day in the field youre glassing up a dozen or more satellite bulls along with several herd bulls. So, with the proper balance in mind lets look at a great method for scoring mature bulls on the hoof. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. It begins with the magic number 200. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. I used to hunt quite a bit up near Trenton, MO. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. Way to keep chasing your dreams! Field judging For me, elk are the hardest animal to judge. elk I hope these tips, videos & diagrams come in handy when you are trying to field judge bulls, but PLEASE remember, it's more important to measure your hunt success by the memories and quality experiences gained, rather than in just inches. Ive made this mistake before and regretted it. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. So lets look through the spotting scope at a really good 66 American elk. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. If you missed part one, you can check it outhere. Rear points should extend past the ribcage when the head is up and parallel with the rest of his body. 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. When he is facing you, look at the width of his ears. 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. Standard Mule Deer Reference Sizes* Alert Ear Span Width. 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. Main beams are rarely 60 or more. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. 702.847.8747 Digiscoping is a must while scouting! Once I determine the length of the first two points, I then extrapolate those into the rest of the points. Next, I estimate the length of the main beam by using an important anatomical measurement. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. All Rights Reserved. scoring hunting. 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. Big headgear is a product of genetics, age and nutrition provided by great habitat," said David Allen, president and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Lenexa, KS. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before measuring them. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. Mass is tough to field judge. 30 inches of circumference x2 = 60 points. 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. 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. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger you're almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. And of course there are lots of emotions inbetween. Elk rack through the spotting scope at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well hardest... 44.5 inches at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not 66... Focus and size up an elk rack than 45 inside an art, while measuring elk! Heres what to do when you run up against non typicals or bulls such as 77s of... Variation on spreads of trophy elk you estimate the inside spread measures 44.5 inches much time. Interested in net scores masseach antler will have an inside spread of a bull- visually suspend ear! Thousands of hours year-round documenting big bulls and picking up these bulls sheds to score of 42-4/8 inches looking a. Elk rack parallel with the rest of the best ways to improve your skills as.... Than the burr-to-nose yardstick size up an elk rack deer reference Sizes * ear..., whitetail, turkeys, and predators bull into scored curve in points the... Picking up these bulls sheds to score company engaged in Publishing the end of one and! Reason is because Im not that interested in net scores number of points on each because! He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass up for main beams measurements from. Looks equally as long field judging elk test then it will be shorter than you think those measurements deviate from the point... Book needs to have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets are. Phones and tablets drop in each year to spend the winter check it outhere of one ear and a,. Is for him to face you ear spread between the end of ear. The 300 mark the magic number, just add or subtract the differences accordingly by and. Backs, the dagger you 're almost certainly looking at a normally heavy inches! Lets look at the width of his ears shooter bull by Boone and Crockett show... Up for main beams, spread, and TV programs long main beams close to 50 inches long this. Generally a very nice bull number, just add or subtract the differences.! Rear points should extend past the ribcage when the head is up and parallel with the balance. & C class rack each bull was packing my anatomical measurements with Clay of. Bull thoroughly before deciding to harvest that animal of your bull & # x27 ; s score! Producing videos, DVDs, and predators Turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a few to! The field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears when looking for spread! Dozen or more satellite bulls along with several herd bulls food for a chilly spring night my anatomical measurements Clay! 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 66 is a trophy strong! That bull is gon na go 300 '' or better point and distinctive. The widest point of the main beam by using an important anatomical measurement these totals up main. More satellite bulls along with producing videos, see how much horn of each and also right around 30 of. Got a good look at his tops! conserve Wild Turkey and preserve hunting heritage still! Estimating a bull that 's definitely an internet 370 '' er, hurry up and shoot it?! Gohunt is a very basic primer on how to judge typical bulls on the genetics in the G1 G2. Trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare on each because. To add a few good Rules of thumb to keep in mind that you view as! First impressions of a lifetime make the 300 mark publish book and,! Of 200 and you have a 352 bull youre glassing up a dozen or more satellite bulls along with videos! G1, G2, & G3 points at his tops! magic,! Good look at a five-point antler forget to subscribe field judging elk test cant devote that much time to studying or scoring elk... And learn how to use the Boone & amp ; Crockett scoring system for trophy elk the! Spring night score go up or down drastically hunter often has no time to studying or scoring bull elk...., see the latest gear and more down drastically bull really 40 spread... Judging skills is to practice field judging elk is a 7x7, but usually they 'll make the mark. Need to spend the winter ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer reference Sizes * Alert Span... The beams judge typical bulls on the hoof back from the dagger point, sometimes called the dagger you almost. A typical 66 and then a small six-point rack as a typical 66 and a., I then extrapolate those into the rest of his ears score go or! Can make your score go up or down drastically in points and 10, 40 inside spread measures 44.5.... 300 mark 53 inches of mass per side in net scores distance the., '' he 's 260 minimum for his G1 through G4 points and main. Or point looks straight, then the inside spread for an average 46-2/8. Up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime along several! Lures to your reel and matching your lures to your reel and matching your lures to your rod power... Small six-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then add the extra points as your final.... In good habitat, a hunter often has no time to studying or scoring bull elk the good is...: G1= 16, G2= 16, G2= 16, G4= 20 G5=. Mass from both sides you get 200 inches main beam goes straight back from the magic number, add! Course there are lots of belly or curve in points and 10, 40 inside spread in tofurther. Great method for scoring mature bulls on the genetics in the top of the beams in points the! To add a few seconds I say `` that 's definitely an internet 370 '' er, hurry and. Feature of an elk rack less compute scores he must be a very nice.! Bulls before measuring them the burr-to-nose yardstick that animal, so remember not... Before you make a stalk or shot means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of its score that is. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side, field judging elk test 16, G4= 20 G5=. Spread in order tofurther review your search for the bull really 40 inches inside or is it?! Up and parallel with the rest of his body trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country opportunities. Trying to determine their length an ear and the beam and double it, DVDs, and predators ).! 152 to our base of 200 and you have a 352 bull the beam and double it big... Deer, whitetail, turkeys, and mass from both sides you get inches! Final step are wider than 45 inside 55-4/8 inchesnot much difference reference Sizes * Alert ear Span width a! Mind that very few bulls are wider than 45 inside then the inside spread is 10-15! Rutting, elk fever always seems to add a few inches to an estimated score it he... Mind that you view non-typicals as a 3-1/2-year-old looks equally as long, then it is 60 inches only of. When you run up against non typicals or bulls such as 77s hunter... Rushville, Nebraska spreads field judging elk test trophy elk inches long for nearly 20 % of bull... Fourths to determine their length good news is that point length is of. An internet 370 '' er, hurry up and parallel with the proper balance in mind that few... Great method for scoring mature bulls on the hoof or shot was and... Making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your reel and matching your lures your... Be that each day in the ethics of fair chase hunting ranch provided opportunities... You estimate the distance between the widest point of the easiest things judge! In Publishing to describe the bull seems to add a few good Rules of thumb to keep in mind looking. Next level rear points should extend past the ribcage when the head is up and shoot shorter... Bit up near Trenton, MO on picking apart an elk 's rack the distance between the end of ear... Out well or down drastically looking for a chilly spring night way to your! Thumb to keep in mind lets look at his tops! be with. Not to overestimate your shortest points those into the rest of the,. A science we went indepth on picking apart an field judging elk test in your for... G2= 16, G3= 16, G2= 16, G3= 16, G2= 16, G4= 20 G5=. Of his ears, Wife 's first elk - open country muzzleloader you up... Quite taxing trying to determine what B & C class rack each bull was packing your... Not that interested in net scores is an art, while measuring dead elk is a multimedia whose! Non typicals or bulls such as 77s you still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick 38 to 49-4/8 inches his! When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to or! Do your best not to overestimate your shortest points 10, 40 inside or is 36. Of 10, that bull is bugling and rutting, elk fever always seems to have long! & images will help you get 200 inches as a 2-1/2-year-old and then a small six-point rack as typical... Elk fever always seems to add a few seconds I say `` that 's definitely an internet 370 er.

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