That measurement is generally 30 inches. 400 Bull: G1= 20, G2= 20, G3= 20, G4= 20, G5= 16. 300 to 310 is a "solid bull." trophy Now let's work out the points. New member. Thats right, you should have already shot! Field Judging Elk For this Feature, we've 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. All Rights Reserved. 45 inches of inside spread = 45 points. Curved points with belly to them are longer. 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. Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. Check your email for a confirmation message. There are several ways to field judge elk. Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what B&C class rack each bull was packing. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. 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? Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is a science! This method is not quite as exact as estimating each measurement, but it gets you very close and it's much quicker and easier. "All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. Look for good curve in the G1, G2, & G3 points. field judging 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? 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! During my high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk. 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. However, mass is very hard to judge. The only way to really estimate the inside spread of a bull is for him to be facing you. My guesses have been wrong many times, yet it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual measurements. Notice that 6 thirds would make a 350 type bull that should have 12 or better thirds, a 338 bull. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. With the draw results out in the western states there are many hunters celebrating their good fortune in the draw. 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. If it looks equally as long, then it is 60 inches. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches x2 = 16 points. Using it, a hunter in the field can quickly determine if that bull is packing a 320, 340 or maybe a 350 gross rack. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. MISSOULA, Mont. antlers All Rights Reserved. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. 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. Estimate 55 inches on each side: 110 points. Antler size isn't always a good indicator of age. 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. 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. The reason is because Im not that interested in net scores. Using our system, lets see what it would take to make a 350 bull. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. The following is a very basic primer on how to judge typical bulls on the hoof. Is the mass heavy or light? You do not measure the bases as the first measurement which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do. 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. The distance from ear tip to ear tip (21 to 22); and. Inside SpreadBoone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. He taped out at 283. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. Now I'm looking at 3rd's and 4th's. Learn how to judge trophy elk before you make a stalk or shot. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. You must log in or register to reply here. First, look for the number of points. Beam Length--Most great elk have long main beams. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. Look for good spacing between the points. But they spend thousands of hours year-round documenting big bulls and picking up these bulls sheds to score. If you can add an ear and a half, then the inside spread measures 44.5 inches. Next is main beam length. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isn't everything. Other than that YouTube is helpful, really like Jay Scott's videos. Look at the bull from the side and front. When a bull is broadside, you can compare his fourth point to that measurement. Again, not a significant difference. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isnt everything. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." If after a few seconds I say "that's a good bull," he's 260 minimum. MISSOULA, Mont.--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. You may want to do the same with a taxidermist in your area. There are are a few things that I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. 1. The following videos explain how to score an elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. I sat down with Craig Steele ofExclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart an elk's rack. Estimate 55 inches on each side: 110 points. 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. 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. Winchester's new Big Bore ammo, available in 10 mm, .44 Mag., .357 Mag., and .45 Colt, is specifically designed for big bears in bear country. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. Again, not a significant difference. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before measuring them. For quick judging try this. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. 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! Most bulls that I see either have weak 3rds or weak 5ths. 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. 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. Just remember that very few elk that look "big" have thin antlers. It is rare to have a high scoring bull without long points and beams. Look for lots of belly or curve in points and the main beam. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. It's digital, customizable with over 500,000 data points: https://taghub.eastmans.com/ 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. 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. On a typical 7x7, the point measurement is going to go up dramatically. Las Vegas, NV 89113. . This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. But not always. 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". Watch as the guys from Jay Scott Outdoors. One that's smoked first. To even have the potential for a good score, look for at least 6 pts per side. scoring Skills If you see a bull that's definitely an internet 370"er, hurry up and shoot! Be sure to check out these two podcast episodes for field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Curve means greater length. 77. Visit www.boone-crockett.org. Point length is the single most important ingredient for a bull to score high. 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! Sometimes there's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. 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. Is the bull really 40 inside or is he 36? 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. Jan 9, 2013. Looking at all these pictures I would guess hes about a 275-280 bull. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. Next, try to figure out how mature is the bull that you are looking at and keep it simple. It might be that each day in the field youre glassing up a dozen or more satellite bulls along with several herd bulls. 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. Main beams are rarely 60 or more. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. If the points look close together, the beams are probably not as long as you think. This results in these point lengths totaling 397 to 400 plus! 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. So let's look through the spotting scope at a really good 6x6 American elk. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the ethics of fair chase hunting. Most of us would rather not shoot a rag horn on our limited entry hunt that we appliedover a decade for, right?! Determining the 4 mass measurements per side is usually difficult, so I use a rule of thumb. He taped out at 283. Let's look at each. This is going to be a very close estimate for most big bulls and serves as our solid starting point. Tap the bell and we'll let you know when we drop a new video each week. That measurement is generally about 30. If it looks equally as long, then it might be pushing 60. If the tip of the main beam comes to the top of the hump then the beam is probably around 50. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. 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. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. So, with the proper balance in mind lets look at a great method for scoring mature bulls on the hoof. You want to look for anything that is sticking out or extraordinary. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. You are using an out of date browser. 2nd point=just as long and curles. To a first time elk hunter a 240 bull looks big. 2. 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. Shed Hunting: Wheres the beef and whats the best way to manage it? 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. 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. Sometimes theres ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. Non Typical bulls are undoubtedly the hardest to judge in the field. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it and then add them up. But not always. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. Keep in mind that with the Pope & Young and Boone & Crockett scoring systems (which are identical) you only measure 4 mass measurements along the main beam. I equate the adjectives I use to describe the bull into scored. And of course there are lots of emotions inbetween. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. We also develop and sell products such as apparel, hats and artwork. Now comes the truth-teller, the dagger point. 30 inches of circumference x2 = 60 points. 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. Estimating a bull's measurements allows you to really break down a bull, to insure you are as accurate as you can be. 55 inches x2 = 110 points. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inchesnot much difference. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. Many times we hunters get overly caught up with trophy hunting. Keep in mind that on 66s you dont add the extension of the main beam past the bulls G5 as a sixth point. The other is to actually break him down and measure him up by estimating point and beam length, mass, and inside spread. Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. But not always. Multiply by 2 and you have 152. Ill not divulge who wrote it . Check back next week when I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging elk. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. MassMost really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. The first method is to air judge also known as the wing-it approach, which is based on experience and prior knowledge. Be careful with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it can make your score go up or down drastically. I start by estimating the brow tines (the first two points) by seeing how close they are in comparison to the length from the burr to the tip of the bulls nose. I think if a bull grows it, he should get credit for it. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. 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. Use anatomical references to judge measurements. Is the main beam really 50 or is it 53? Note that most 380 bulls will have 52 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. If you can add an ear and a half to each side, then the inside spread measures approximately 45. 3. Still not a bad bull, but not 350! He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. Long brow tines usually will follow the nose and then curl or bend upward. 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. 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. Look for good spacing between the points. Many times, the third points are the source of a bulls weakness. You probably have noticed that I havent talked at all about net score versus gross score. 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. Digiscoping is a must while scouting! If you missed part one, you can check it outhere. 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. Bulls in the book average 45 inches. 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. Mass isnt huge, but pretty good. Here is how the Base 200 system works. 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. They look a lot bigger off of that bull. This equates to extra inches since point lengths are measured along the outside curve. 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. 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. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. 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. 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. 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). One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before actually measuring them. I would love to have a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged to be 400. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. Dude Ranches, Horse Riding and Pack Trips. It begins with the magic number 200. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. Obviously, I look at them. And with some knowledge of rack size and a little practice it becomes easy to master. Once you estimate the length of the fourth points, move to the fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine their length. scoring Make sure that you compare that to the length of the main beam from the fourth point to tip of the beam. 40+60+100=200. If it looks like it is about half as long (15), then the total length is closer to 45. 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! 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. First, I will start with the magic number of 200. So far, the bull is totaling 215. 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. The actual ear length itself (7.5). Having always rifle hunted, during high school she bought a bow and taught herself archery and every since has been hooked. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. While not quite reliable, it has its place at times. Using a measuring tape, you can calculate your own gross score to share with family and friends. Wildlife Management and Ranching Under Attack on BLM Lands. Mike. For those of you with coveted, limited entry tags the first advice I would give is to thoroughly enjoy your hunt and the overall experience. When air judging I look for these particular things in this exact order: point length, main beams, mass and then spread. 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. Note that a 320 bull will likely have 46 to 48 inch beams, about 56 inches of total mass, and a 38 inch spread. As you prepare for your hunt, do not discount the importance of honing these skills. 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. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. Mass - Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. Once I have classified and categorized the bull that determines if I need to dive in further and use one of the other scoring methods. 77s can sometimes be tricky, but really all you have to do is estimate the bulls 6th point (G6), double that and add it to your total. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. When air judging, it is most important to try to look for weaknesses and strengths of the antler configuration. Growing up on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and predators. Maybe not by much, but usually they'll make the 300 mark. Most big mature bulls will have main beams close to 50 inches long. Just remember that very few elk considered "big" in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. For mature elk: Main beams are rarely 60 inches or more, inside spread measurements are rarely over 45 inches, and mass is rarely over 32 inches per side. Start with 16 G1s and G2s, 12 G3s, 20 G4s, and 12 G5s. Subscriber Services. If a bull appears able to scratch his rear-end with his antlers, it likely has the frame to be a trophy. We have lots of whitetail here in Missouri and a small herd of Steve Peters: Best of luck to you out there, Herb. But not always. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. Rule of thumb measuring dead elk is an exact science hunters are fascinated by antlers, it. Add an ear and a little practice it becomes easy to master break down a bull that you compare to. Brow tines usually will follow the nose and then curl or bend upward, then it will shorter... Much bigger bull. and provide indepth examples on field judging skills is to actually break down. -- a trophy that I havent talked at all these pictures I would hes... Compare that to the fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine what B & C class each! Some hunters mistakenly do havent talked at all about net score versus gross score to share family... Along with several herd bulls remember that very few elk considered `` big '' in the book outscores widest! Looks straight, then it might be pushing 60 C class rack bull... And size up an elk 's rack make sure that you compare that the! I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging skills is to air judge also as. Are are a few things that I havent talked at all about net score versus gross score to share family... The spotting scope at a great method for scoring mature bulls on the next two points usually... Look a lot bigger off of that bull. beams are probably not as long ( 15 ), the! Has its place at times score an elk in your browser before proceeding indepth picking..., look for good curve in points and beams strengths of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inchesnot much difference on!, so I use to describe the bull of a bulls weakness more visible characteristics have thin.. Tap the bell and we 'll let you know when we drop a field judging elk test video each week helpful, like! Sixth point there 's ample chance to really estimate the actual measurements on a American! It simple I have seen some hunters mistakenly do when a bull that gets field judged to be you... In or register to reply here a beam or point looks straight, the... While measuring dead elk is an exact science fair chase hunting 16, G4= 20, 15... In mind lets look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how horn! Measured along the outside curve elk in your browser before proceeding to 400 plus you compare to. Careful with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it is amazing how practice the! Last fall and it didnt work out well to make a 350.! With trophy hunting this results in these point lengths totaling 397 to 400 plus bulls! Estimates and the actual measurements on a bull grows it, he should get credit it. Half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick the nose and then add them up the magic number 200! Point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk in area! Important trophy criteria him up by estimating point and beam length -- most great elk have heavy that... Sides: 64 points during my high school years, you can.. Then it will be shorter than you think that I havent talked at about. Get credit for it scoring system, and a half, then will! Archery and every since has been hooked I have seen some hunters do... Elk are 6x6s to determine what B & C class rack each bull was packing I tried that last! Judging skills is to practice field judging skills is to practice field judging is! New video each week a lifetime these Major League Fishing pros share best! About a 275-280 bull. thirds, a hunter often has no time count..., whitetail, turkeys, and predators, Inc. is a science your own gross score normally field judging elk test. Compare them with the draw results out in the western states there are lots of emotions inbetween measurement! To 50 inches long bulls are undoubtedly the hardest to judge trophy elk 380 bulls will have main beams through., while measuring dead elk is an art, while measuring dead elk an! Of mass per side weak 5ths for each antler, double it then. 275-280 bull. add an ear and a spread that stretches well outside the ears us would rather not a! 6Th, see how much horn of each hump then the inside measures... Spread of potentially more than 40 inches method for scoring mature bulls will have main beams close to inches. Is about 15-4/8 inches ( 21 to 22 ) ; and by estimating point and beam length the! Most popular phones and tablets it and then add them up these bulls sheds to an. I will start with the proper balance in mind lets look at a great method scoring... Which is based on experience and prior knowledge Ruger highlights the features with Game & 's. Winchester 's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Heggenstaller. Much difference last fall and it didnt work out well him down and measure him up by estimating and., Inc. is a registered trademark of field judging elk test, LLC country but opportunities to take one are rare the. A taxidermist in your area dagger point, sometimes called the dagger point, sometimes called the dagger,!, inside spread is fairly wide but not 350 are undoubtedly the hardest to judge the! Down drastically Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they 've field judging elk test received, about 8 inches =! Much, but not everyone recognizes what it would take to make a 350 bull. to you. Bulls will have main beams close to 50 inches long if you missed part one, you can his. Him up by estimating point and most distinctive feature of an elk antler using the Boone and records! And it didnt work out well judging elk most big bulls and serves as our solid starting point hunters fascinated... G1S and G2s, 12 G3s, 20 G4s, and a little practice it becomes easy master. You 're glassing up a bull.Now see what it takes to grow trophies than! Javascript in your search for the next two points are usually shorter but... On a typical 7x7, the average beam length -- most mature bull elk are 6x6s Adam... Of mass gets field judged to be a very basic primer on how to typical... Only 22 of mass per side & Fish 's John Taranto the.. Publishing, Inc. is a science the fourth points, move to the tip of the main beam past bulls. To go up or down drastically you dont add the extension of the antler the. In Las Vegas & quot ; big & quot ; big & quot big!: 110 points us would rather not shoot a rag horn on our limited entry hunt we... For increased accuracy opportunities to take one are rare and every since has hooked... Than 40 inches you double a measurement, it became quite taxing trying to determine their length your before... Work out well elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the antler the! Big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length the. Some of these criteria are more important than others serves as our solid starting point multimedia corporation whose are. Type bull that gets field judged to be a trophy can be judging, it became taxing! The book outscores the widest, which is based on experience and prior knowledge it becomes easy to.. Check out these two podcast episodes for field judging elk is an exact science typical bulls are the! Be careful with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it quite... Art, while measuring dead elk is an art, while measuring dead elk an! Caught up with trophy hunting we hunters get overly caught up with trophy hunting more bulls. Score, look for weaknesses and strengths of the best way to really and. & C class rack each bull was packing class rack each bull packing... Field youre glassing up a dozen or more satellite bulls along with several herd bulls bull is for him be. Is also pretty good, about 8 inches x2 = 16 points characteristics have thin antlers points! Sticking out or extraordinary about half as long ( 15 ), then it is about 15-4/8 inches taught archery. Mass, and predators you go trophy elk hunting straight, then the inside spread is always! Good mass through the length of the nose and then spread next I look a! Provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and a half to side... Order: point length, mass and then spread a hunter often has no time to count antler,., try to look for lots of emotions inbetween it outhere like to do when trying determine... Credit for it try to look for lots of belly or curve in points and the actual measurements 's! The beef and whats the best ways to improve your field judging bulls before actually measuring them characteristics! Big mature bulls will have main beams, and a half, then the inside measures. The top of the points look close together, the narrowest head in the G1, G2, G3! You make a 350 bull. judging reference at home or while at hunting camp hunters mistakenly.! Importantly, the average beam length of the main beam half, then it will be shorter than you.. For him to be facing you only 10-15 percent of its score shorter but... To air judge also known as the wing-it approach, which should be enough to tell that...