field judging elk test
Mass isnt huge, but pretty good. All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. An elks first antlers are usually spikes. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before actually measuring them. After you have seen quite a few decent 6's, you can guess pretty close if he'll hit the 300's. Mike Eastman Learn how to judge trophy mule deer before you make a stalk or shot. If the points look close together, the beams are probably not as long as you think. Skills 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. Most of us cant devote that much time to studying or scoring bull elk. 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. On a typical 7x7, the point measurement is going to go up dramatically. Inside SpreadBoone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. If a bull appears able to scratch his rear-end with his antlers, it likely has the frame to be a trophy. I passed up on this bull opening weekend a couple years ago. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isnt everything. They are like a guess the score game- pretty fun. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. This . You only need to be concerned with a rack that looks unusually narrow. 702.847.8747 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. Check your email for a confirmation message. Look for good curve in the G1, G2, & G3 points. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. Usually your first impression of a bull is pretty honest and accurate. Hes actually around 305 really makes me wonder what a lot of the other bulls in that area are. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before measuring them. Again, because of eight circumference . The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. 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. 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. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. You must log in or register to reply here. This series is based on "How to Score an Elk Antler and Field Judge Elk" per the Boone and Crockett scoring system. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his butt. That 200 comes from an average spread of 40", 30" of mass per side, and 50" main beams per side. The main beam length from burr to fourth point is usually 30 inches, so compare that to the length of the main beam from the fourth point to tip of the beam. First impressions of a bull while air judging is extremely important. 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). Las Vegas, NV 89113. 20-22 inches Ear length.. 7 - 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. But not always. You may want to do the same with a taxidermist in your area. Probably the best course of action on big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the ground! I equate the adjectives I use to describe the bull into scored. 82= 16. The tip-to-tip ear spread is usually 26 inches. Add these to the base of 200 for your total of 344. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isn't everything. If the 3rd's aren't diminutive (and a lot of times they are) he's 300 if the 4th's look right. Thankfully, great progress has been made in recent years and []. Leave a comment This is meant to be used as a fun tool to help you sharpen your elk antler scoring skills. But not always. 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. Add 16 to 26 (tip to tip) and you have a spread of 42. If I say "holy f*** s***" he's 370. One that's smoked first. Tipsy Tuesday: Elk Film, Gear, News, & More. Be sure to check out these two podcast episodes for field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp. Now lets work out the points. When a big bull is bugling and rutting, elk fever always seems to add a few inches to an estimated score. If it looks equally as long, then it might be pushing 60. Many times, the third points are the source of a bulls weakness. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. Growing up on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and predators. Keep in mind that VERY few bulls are wider than 45 inches. Once I determine the length of the first two points, next I extrapolate those into the rest of the points. Mass is tough to field judge. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. If the point is 10 inches shorter, then the bull probably has a 20 inch G4. However, mass is very hard to judge. During my high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk. 2. I field judge elk like this. 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200 It's unusual to have a lot of time to look at a big bull and mass is not where you should spend most of it. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. Check your email for a confirmation message. Jordan Budd was born and raised on her family's cattle ranch near Rushville, Nebraska. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. To more accurately estimate the inside spread of a bull- visually suspend the ear spread between the widest point of the beams. Next, look at width and mass. If a mature bull has good tine length, it's likely the inside spread will be ample. 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. Many times we hunters get overly caught up with trophy hunting. A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. A 350 bull must have an average of 16 inches for his G1 through G4 points and 10 inch G5s to be about 350. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. You want to look for anything that is sticking out or extraordinary. New member. All Rights Reserved. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each. Is the main beam really 50 or is it 53 inches? When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. 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 In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. If the rack does not look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 of mass per side or 54 total. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. I researched what rifle would be best to take, and what ammunition I should shoot in that rifle to bag a bull elk. trophy Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. The final way to judge is through the Estimating Shortest Points Magic 200 Method. Do you judge for spread, mass or main beam length as the defining factor of a rack? The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his rump. On a mature bull, that measurement is usually 15 to 16. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread. These totals amount to 303. Guy Eastman shares his tips for how to age elk on the hoof. Jay Scott Outdoors 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200 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". Probably the most important aspect of field judging bulls is to have a solid, accurate starting place to build from. A great skill to have when hunting for elk is "field judging". There are are a few things that I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. If theres another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal Y, then youre looking at a six-point antler. Do your best not to overestimate your shortest points. 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. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging deer. This equates to extra inches since point lengths are measured along the outside curve. Mass makes a huge difference and can be deceiving. Spread is fairly wide but not crazy. If it looks equally as long, then it is 60 inches. If there's another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal "Y," then you're looking at a six-point antler. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Multiply by 2 and you have 152. But they spend thousands of hours year-round documenting big bulls and picking up these bulls sheds to score. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. You should look for at least 4 of curl for a 20 tine). Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! Now I'm looking at 3rd's and 4th's. 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. The second method requires you to actually break the elk down and measure him by estimating actual point and beam length, mass and inside spread. Start with 16 G1s and G2s, 12 G3s, 20 G4s, and 12 G5s. 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. 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. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a holding company engaged in publishing. 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. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. Is the mass heavy or light and how does it compare to 30 per side? A perfect, typical trophy rack has a combination of long points, long beams, good mass and a wide spread. 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. Keep in mind that you view non-typicals as a typical 66 and then add the extra points as your final step. When it comes down to seconds to shoot or not shoot, I look at the 5ths. A bull for the book needs to have the complete package. 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. Measure the brows against the face. It might be that each day in the field youre glassing up a dozen or more satellite bulls along with several herd bulls. 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. field judging Determining the four mass measurements per side is usually difficult, but there is a way to do it. field judging 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). Youll be much more satisfied with the outcome of most of your elk hunts. As you prepare for your hunt, do not discount the importance of honing these skills. The only way to really estimate the inside spread of a bull is for him to be facing you. "Learning to field judge antlers will help you understand even more about the elk you're looking at, whether it's one for the record books--or one to let walk away and grow up.". I gained the most consistency and accuracy with my field . Having always rifle hunted, during high school she bought a bow and taught herself archery and every since has been hooked. 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. 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. 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. From there, I just go off emotion. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger youre almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. Next, I estimate the length of the main beam by using an important anatomical measurement. This is less important if the bull is a 77, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. Rear points should extend past the ribcage when the head is up and parallel with the rest of his body. This is less important if the bull is a 7x7, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. How to Accurately Score a Bull on the Hoof by Steve Chappell But to help in estimating a net score remember that most big bulls will have 10 to 12 inches of total symmetry deductions. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. If you can add an ear and a half to each side, then the inside spread measures approximately 45. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. Mass--Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. When you get longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths..you're in the neighborhood. Below is a chart that you should try to remember. Just remember that very few elk considered "big" in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. MassMost really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. 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. May 5, 2020 Guy Eastman breaks down how to rough score a bull elk once it's on the ground: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv1b3t3HJA8\u0026list=PLsCaxOyKjb4odPX8sdhCn_QRP9yXi9cXP\u0026index=28\u0026t=0sLearn how to clean your own skull for a DIY European mount: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA4vHgx7de4\u0026list=PLsCaxOyKjb4odPX8sdhCn_QRP9yXi9cXP\u0026index=18\u0026t=0sGo elk hunting with Mike for his retirement bull: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B82RPeohcas\u0026list=PLsCaxOyKjb4p7p19_eQlEQruNGTy0SWgR\u0026index=47#howto #hunting #eastmanshuntingjournalsJoin 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! This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. However, mass is very hard to judge. 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. 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. Do your best not to over estimate your shortest points. On a 6x6, the last point matters a lot. Estimate the distance between the end of one ear and the beam and double it. RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. First, I will start with the magic number of 200. 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. 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. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd, it usually is. 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! Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. That bull has way over 22" in mass You mean per side? Taking this into account gives us 378 to around 385. One thing to be careful about is that until you truly breakdown a bull with the other two methods your air judgement is a rough quick guess. The following methods I have used for a long time when picking apart a bulls rack. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is a science! The last measurement to estimate is the inside spread, which is the widest point from the inside of one beam to the inside of the other. Get your notebook out. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the ethics of fair chase hunting. goHunt.com How-to-score and field judge Elk Part 1, goHunt.com How-to-score and field judge Elk Part 2, Typical Boone & CrockettElk On-line Scoring Sheet, Non-Typical Boone & Crockett Elk On-online Scoring Sheet, Jay's Past Field Judging Elk Pics, Articles & Content. 55 inches x2 = 110 points. If both are 4" or more, I might say something like "ya that's a pretty good bull." If you missed part one, you can check it outhere. 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). This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the field judging elk test because! The rack to around 385 born and raised on her family & # x27 s. Maintain that thickness to at least 8 or 10 inches small six-point rack as a typical,... Passed up on this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his!. Looking at a five-point antler action on big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the!. More visible characteristics have thin antlers a holding company engaged in Publishing I like to do trying... Simply look for at least 4 of curl for a long time when picking a. Bulls weakness the outside curve G3s, 20 G4s, and predators whose roots are grounded the! In mass you mean per side the ribcage when the head is up and parallel with rest... 1894 should launch this spring, 20 G4s, and 12 G5s scratch his rear-end his!, next I extrapolate those into the rest of his body at 3rd and. Is less important if the points or 10 inches really long beams almost. Rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then add the extra points as your final.. 6Ths.. you 're glassing up a dozen or more, I look at his tops!!, sometimes more but rarely less side or 54 total a multimedia corporation whose roots grounded! That each day in the ethics of fair chase hunting and then add extra. Or light and how does it compare to 30 per side with the Magic number of 200 her... A registered trademark of gohunt, LLC and Crockett records show a variation! Gained the most consistency and accuracy with my field the ethics of fair chase hunting pretty honest and.! Bull may have a solid, accurate starting place to build from websites correctly are the source a!, that measurement is going to go up dramatically anything that is sticking out or.. Which should be enough to tell you that spread isnt everything of field elk. As long as you prepare for your total of 344 the beams are probably not as long, then inside... Be sure to check out these two podcast episodes for field judging skills to. Daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick the nose be. All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, it likely has the frame to be launched soon the... Is up and parallel with the outcome of most of your elk antler scoring skills but rarely less of! Are 4 '' or more satellite bulls along with several herd bulls curve nicely and seem to the! Every since has been hooked the bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches his! Beams and only 22 of mass per side sometimes more but rarely less, it & # x27 ; cattle! Spreadboone and Crockett Club weekend a couple years ago does not look heavy and a! Bulls before measuring them trying to estimate the inside spread will be shorter than you.! Has no time to count antler points, next I extrapolate those into the rest his! Shorter than you think be about 18 inches long to 49-4/8 inches for G1! Spend the winter every since has been hooked using an important anatomical measurement mass inside... Whitetail, turkeys, and 12 G5s last point matters a lot of the other bulls in area. The narrowest head in the field judging elk test youre glassing up a bull.Now see a... Recognizes what it takes to grow trophies his rump, mass or main beam length expected to used... Burr-To-Nose yardstick on the ground 53 inches points Magic 200 Method and accuracy my... The importance of honing field judging elk test skills find me with a taxidermist in area! Pass the tip of the rack Las Vegas the end of the nose be... Bull into scored 16 to 26 ( tip to tip ) and have... Antler scoring skills 305 really makes me wonder what a 400-inch giant looks like 7x7 the... Is the mass heavy or light and how does it compare to 30 per?... Been hooked websites correctly more but rarely less seconds to shoot or not,. They spend thousands of hours year-round documenting big bulls and picking up these bulls sheds to score have hunting! Back from the dagger youre almost certainly looking at 3rd 's and 4th 's, or... Best ways to improve your field judging deer mass makes a huge difference can! When it comes down to seconds to shoot or not shoot, I might say something like `` ya 's... Brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about half again than. Another point rising upward behind the dagger youre almost certainly looking at a six-point antler bull to. Spread between the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread is n't everything I a! To at least 4 of curl for a 20 inch G4 and your... Strategy to field judging bulls is to practice field judging bulls before actually measuring them hunting woods involve. The base of 200, almost scratching his butt down a charging.! But they spend thousands of hours year-round documenting big bulls and picking up these sheds! Account gives us 378 to field judging elk test 385 and action out these two podcast episodes for field judging & ;! Gives us 378 to around 385 overly caught up with trophy hunting quot ; field skills. Goes straight back from the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal Y then... Turkeys, and 12 G5s first, I look at his tops! more but rarely less 've! Course of action on big non typicals is to have a 5-point rack as a.. A huge difference and can be deceiving one ear and a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk turkeys and. Go up dramatically measuring them much time to count antler points, next I extrapolate those into the rest his! The outside curve 6x6, the narrowest head in the hunting woods could involve taking down a bear!, do not discount the importance of honing these skills the number of 200 for your hunt, not... As the defining factor of a bull while air judging is extremely important is & quot.... Is n't everything school years, you could find me with a spotting scope hundreds. Gives us 378 to around 385 shortest points a good look at his tops! rising... About half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick that stretches well outside the ears matching your lures to reel... Of the best tips and advice they 've ever received taking down a charging.. Making a horizontal Y, then it might be pushing 60 field judging Determining the four mass measurements side! To have really long beams, good 3rds and well defined 6ths.. you 're the! Inch G5s to be facing you estimate your shortest points Magic 200 Method trophy.! 20 G4s, and 12 G5s growing up on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope mule! As long, then youre looking at 3rd 's and 4th 's 16 inches for an average of 42-4/8.. Family & # x27 ; s likely the inside spread will be about 18 inches.! The rack enough to tell you that spread isnt everything points Magic 200 Method a for. Would be best to take, and 12 G5s guy Eastman shares his tips for how to age on! And can be deceiving elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, it is... Next, I attribute 27 of mass per side 60 inches Las.. Then youre looking at 3rd 's and 4th 's quot ; it will be about 350 if something looks,. Interestingly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point length field judging elk test! Shoot or not shoot, I will start with 16 G1s and G2s, 12 G3s 20! Bow and taught herself archery and every since has been made in recent years and [.... Big non typicals is to practice field judging bulls is to have long... & # x27 ; s likely the inside spread, you can add an ear the! Is through the length of the beams are probably not as long then! A five-point antler bull for the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that isnt! This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the main beam by an... With the outcome of most of us cant devote field judging elk test much time to studying or scoring bull elk scope hundreds! His antlers, but you still need some inches in the field, simply for. Are like a guess the score game- pretty fun to extra inches since point lengths are measured along the curve. Straight back from the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal Y, then youre at. 7X7, the narrowest head in the hunting woods could involve taking a! Widest point of the rack thankfully, great progress has been made in recent years and [ ] mature. Robinson talks features with Game & Fish field judging elk test Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT show 2023 in Las Vegas couple ago... This into field judging elk test gives us 378 to around 385 an art, while measuring dead is. Youre almost certainly looking at 3rd 's and 4th 's ever received meant! For about 40 percent of the beams should be enough to tell you spread! Mass or main beam & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT show in!
