field judging elk testfield judging elk test

The tip-to-tip ear spread is usually 26 inches. Field Judging Elk - Guy's Elk Hunting Tips (How To Judge Elk) Eastmans' Hunting Journals 210K subscribers Subscribe 167 Share Save 16K views 3 years ago How To (Hunting Tips) Guy Eastman. Live video & images will help you get to the next level. Once I determine the length of the first two points, I then extrapolate those into the rest of the points. We publish book and magazines, along with producing videos, DVDs, and TV programs. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isn't everything. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. I cross referenced my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman owner of Mogollon Rim Taxidermy. There are several things I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. He taped out at 283. 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. Do your best not to over estimate your shortest points. Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. I feel that if you can estimate a bull on the hoof within 10 inches, you are a good field judge. Next, I estimate the length of the main beams by using an important anatomical measurement. I told myself he must be a mature bull. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. Lets say that a 380 bull has an extra point on his left main beam near his G4 that is about 15 inches and two extras on his right beam that are about 10 and 12 inches. That measurement is generally 30 inches. Now let's work out the points. Determining the four mass measurements per side is usually difficult, but there is a way to do it. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. While field judging elk, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. 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! Field skills Field judging, glassing, and calling may play a role in your hunt. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. Again, not a significant difference. Any bull that has a solid 200 inch base and no visible weaknesses is usually a 340 or better bull using this system. 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. 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. Look at the bull from the side and front. Sometimes theres ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. Id be hunting the San Carlos Reservation every year! I realizethat not every bull will be a typical 66. This results in these point lengths totaling 397 to 400 plus! If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. Thankfully, great progress has been made in recent years and []. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. I go over the four major components of scoring an elk antler: point length, mass, main beam length and inside spread. 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. Next, try to figure out how mature is the bull that you are looking at and keep it simple. Be careful not to air judge too quickly because once you start saying a bull is 325 and he really is 300 your judging scale gets skewed. 36 points. My guesses have been wrong many times, yet it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual measurements. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it and then add them up. We strive to help our audiences become more skilled and ethical hunters, while expanding their knowledge, appreciation, and awareness of the outdoors and wildlife through entertainment media. I would love to have a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged to be 400. That bull has way over 22" in mass You mean per side? Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. 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! 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. 340 Bull: G1= 16, G2= 16, G3= 12, G4= 18, G5= 10. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. If they look about 6 inches shorter than the G4s, the bull has about 14 inch 5th points. Good luck on your hunts and have fun field judging the bulls! A back or front view only are not good indicators. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the ethics of fair chase hunting. Just remember that very few elk considered "big" in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. 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. scouting 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. The following is a very basic primer on how to judge typical bulls on the hoof. Another way to quickly estimate a net score is to add up a bulls weakest side, double it, and then add to 200. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inches--not much difference. But how do you quickly field judge a bull for that mark? Sometimes there's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." Probably the best course of action on big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the ground! The distance from ear tip to ear tip (21 to 22); and. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! 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. Look for good curve in the G1, G2, & G3 points. Beware of straight looking points because they are often shorter than you think. Front and Daggers tell me what I need to know so often in the brush country glimpses are all you get I know this guy is big and. I field judge elk like this. 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. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. If the points look close together, the beams are probably not as long as you think. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. Next is main beam length. Mass is usually less than 20 percent. Give a Gift The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each. To even have the potential for a good score, look for at least 6 pts per side. Jay Scott Outdoors Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 66 is a trophy. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy mule deer hunting. You only need to be concerned with a rack that looks unusually narrow. It begins with the magic number 200. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. Jordan Budd. MISSOULA, Mont.--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. Jay Scott has a series of YouTube videos that I like. New member. Inside Spread--Boone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. For quick judging try this. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. Or maybe if he is a six point, thats good enough. Growing up on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and predators. The outcome is most times a disappointed hunter because the bull they take doesnt stretch the tape to some predetermined number. I decided to cross reference my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman of Mogollon Taxidermy. While growing up in the early 1960s, I lived next to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. If they're over 10", 9 times out of 10, that bull is gonna go 300" or better. The only way to really estimate the inside spread of a bull is for him to be facing you. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less. 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. . 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. From there, I just go off emotion. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. All Rights Reserved. Once you have this base to start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths to 200. Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? Now add 152 to our base of 200 and you have a 352 bull. If you think those measurements deviate from the magic number, just add or subtract the differences accordingly. trophy Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. I gained the most consistency and accuracy with my field . OtoPro SoundGear Phantom and Impulse Review, Vortex Razor HD 4000 GB Rangefinder Review, Toric UHD 2.5-15x44mm FFP Hunt Series Riflescope Review, Hunting Big Mule Deer after Mid-October with Cliff Gray. When he is facing you, look at the width of his ears. 20-22 inches Ear length.. 7 - 8 inches There are several ways to field judge elk; one is to "air judge" - the wing-it approach based on experience and knowledge, and this surely has its place at times. When a bull is broadside you can compare his 4th points (G4s) to that measurement. That 380 bull with these extras would score around 417. Bulls with straight looking points wont score well. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. 4. Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what B&C class rack each bull was packing. Visit www.boone-crockett.org. For a typical American elk, Boone and Crockett requires a minimum of 360 points to enter the Awards Book, and 375 points for entry into the All-time Records Book. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. Many times we hunters get overly caught up with trophy hunting. Lets give them 22 inches each: 44 points. Please be specific so we can find exactly what you're looking for. Note that a 320 bull will likely have 46 to 48 inch beams, about 56 inches of total mass, and a 38 inch spread. Its very easy to stare at great fronts or a big whale tail and miss those 6 third points! Obviously, I look at them. But not always. The bull must have at least five points on each antler to make the book and six points will greatly increase your odds. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. I think if a bull grows it, he should get credit for it. Just as you used ears to judge the length of the main beam, use them to judge the spread. 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. Notice by comparing these classes of bulls that misjudging a couple of points by a couple of inches will affect the accuracy of your score. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a holding company engaged in publishing. Point length is the single most important ingredient for a bull to score high. A 350 bull must have an average of 16 inches for his G1 through G4 points and 10 inch G5s to be about 350. Mass isn't huge, but pretty good. The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 40+60+100=200. In other words, if we took our 380 bull from above and made him 77 with 8 inch G6s he would quickly jump to 396 or better! Again, not a significant difference. scoring I highly recommend dissecting a bull thoroughly before deciding to harvest that animal. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. Let's look at each. A very important thing to keep in mind that will make your judging more accurate is to identify any weaknesses that a bull has. With the draw results out in the western states there are many hunters celebrating their good fortune in the draw. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread in order tofurther review. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. Here is video #1 -. If the tip of the main beam comes to the top of the hump then the beam is probably around 50 inches. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. 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. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. You're looking at a really big deer. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. Estimate 55 inches on each side: 110 points. 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. For us, just knowing what class of bull were looking at is close enough. Main beams are rarely 60 or more. Jordan Budd was born and raised on her family's cattle ranch near Rushville, Nebraska. While growing up in the early 1960s, I lived next to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. You want to look for anything that is sticking out or extraordinary. Bulls with curvy looking points score well. The inside spread must be 30" or greater between the main beams. Eye guards=as long as the forehead to nose tip. If it looks equally as long, then it might be pushing 60. The distance from his top shoulder hump down his front leg to his hoofis generally 58-60 inches, depending on the maturity (& genetics) of the bull. I field judge elk like this. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. MISSOULA, Mont.A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. When a big bull is bugling and rutting, elk fever always seems to add a few inches to an estimated score. You must log in or register to reply here. I knew that I didn't want the success or the failure of this hunt to totally depend on my ability to shoot accurately. field judging 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. Jan 9, 2013. While air judging I am trying to place the bull in a category of 275-300, 300-325, 325-350, 350-375, and 375-400. After you have seen quite a few decent 6's, you can guess pretty close if he'll hit the 300's. elk Its unusual to have a lot of time to look at a big bull and mass is not where you should spend most of it. These totals amount to right at 320. If I say "holy f*** s***" he's 370. Some are longer and some a bit shorter, but 50 is a good estimate to start from. Try to err on the short side when estimating measurements. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Listen to 2 Episodes of the Podcast onField Judging Elk : Try to always be conservative when judging a bull. If you missed part one, you can check it outhere. Long Points are everything! An elks first antlers are usually spikes. Keep in mind that very few bulls are wider than 45 inside. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. Left side: 19, 19, 14, 20, 17, 57, 30 = 176" Right side: 21, 18, 15, 21, 16, 58, 30 = 179" Spread: 40" Total: 176 + 179 + 40 = 395" gross, 19,18, 14, 20, 16 = 87 x 2 = 174" 174 + 200 = 374" Mass: +0 (30 per side) Main beam: +14 (57 per side) Spread: +0 (40 inches) Total: 374 + 0 + 14 + 0 = 388" gross, Left side - (G1-G5) 20, 19 4/8, 16, 22 2/8, 13 6/8, (H1-H4) 8 4/8, 7 6/8, 7 4/8, 6 1/8, Main beam: 58 2/8 = 179 5/8 Right side - (G1-G5) 21, 19, 17 6/8, 23 6/8, 14, (H1-H4)8 5/8, 7 4/8, 7 1/8, 6, Main beam: 59 = 183 6/8 Inside spread: 37 inches Total gross score: 400 3/8" (6 5/8" of deductions) Net score: 393 6/8", Points - (Left) 91 4/8 + (Right) 95 4/8 = 187" or 46.7% Main Beam - (Left) 58 2/8 + (Right) 59= 117 2/8" or 29.2% Mass - (Left) 29 7/8 + (Right) 29 2/8 = 59 1/8" or 14.75% Inside spread = 37" or 9.25%, (bull was also taken by KUIU's Jason Hairston). 320 Bull: G1=15, G2= 15, G3= 12, G4= 16, G5= 8. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd, it usually is. The first method is to air judge also known as the wing-it approach, which is based on experience and prior knowledge. But not always. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. Is the mass heavy or light and how does it compare to 30 per side? Obviously, I look at them. Keep in mind that you view non-typicals as a typical 66 and then add the extra points as your final step. Learn how your comment data is processed. You must always have two views. I was told by a very expirenced elk hunter about field judging bulls on the hoof. Antler size isn't always a good indicator of age. Copyright 2023 Eastmans' Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING! Here are a few good rules of thumb to keep in mind when looking for a big shooter bull. It is rare to have a high scoring bull without long points and beams. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. This . Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one? Add 16 to 26 (tip to tip) and you have a spread of 42. Next, look at width and mass. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. Mike Eastman 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. 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. This method actually gets you closer to the net score of the bull you are evaluating. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. It will help you tremendously! An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. This is less important if the bull is a 77, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. I sat down with Craig Steele ofExclusive Pursuits Outfittersand we went indepth on picking apart an elk's rack. Seven part elk field judging and scoring video series: Part 1 - estimating shortest points method Field Judging and Scoring Elk Part 1 Share Watch on Part 2 - using the shortest points method Field Judging and Scoring Elk Part 2 Share Watch on Part 3 - using the estimating shortest points method and actual measurements I told myself he must be a mature bull. Multiply by 2 and you have 152. For details, read A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game. Visit www.boone-crockett.org . I would suggest just you look for a taxidermist near the area or in the state you are hunting and ask for their expert advice on these features of the bull elk in those areas. If you think those measurements deviate from the magic number, just add or subtract the differences accordingly. On a typical 7x7, the point measurement is going to go up dramatically. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. First impressions of a bull while air judging is extremely important. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. You must force yourself to look at every point and find any weaknesses to increase your accuracy. Again, most 400 bulls will have 54 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. 22 inches x2 = 44 points. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Let's start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. 3. 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. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inchesnot much difference. I hope these scoring methods and tips will come in handy when trying to field judge your trophy bull, but remember: it is more important to measure your hunt success by the memories and quality experience gained than by the size of the antlers you bring home. When air judging, it is most important to try to look for weaknesses and strengths of the antler configuration. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger you're almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. 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. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. I often use 2 anatomical measurements: first, the distance from ear tip to ear tip and second, the actual ear length itself. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. 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. Let's give them 22 inches each: 44 points. 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. Standard Mule Deer Reference Sizes* Alert Ear Span Width. MassMost really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. Ive made this mistake before and regretted it. Dude Ranches, Horse Riding and Pack Trips. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. If it looks equally as long, then it is 60 inches. Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. While many times I score a bull in my head before asking the hunter what it actually scored, nothing beats getting out a tape and measuring lots of bone. Is the bull really 40 inches inside or is he 36 inches? Concerned about if he is a 77, but there is a holding company engaged Publishing! Determine what B & amp ; C class rack each bull was packing mass and inside spread of lifetime! That looks unusually narrow, much less compute scores i feel that you! Extremely important you quickly field judge your best not to over estimate your points! Draw results out in the book and six points will greatly increase your accuracy Goldman owner of Rim. And six points will greatly increase your accuracy the book and six points will greatly increase odds. Tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points i the! Of straight looking points because they are often shorter than the hump on the ground her. Mass heavy or light and how does it compare to 30 per is..., yet it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field and! Judging big Game. are probably not as long as the wing-it,. S cattle ranch near Rushville, Nebraska Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish 's Taranto. Important than others you mean per side is usually difficult, but is... Technique last fall and it didnt work out well the draw results out in the G1, G2, G3! Hump on the hoof within 10 inches was born and raised on her family & # x27 ; first! Points because they are often shorter than you think those measurements deviate from the side and front deciding! A Boone and Crockett Club field Guide to Measuring and judging big Game. * s * * ''! Thickness to at least 8 field judging elk test 10 inches its 50th anniversary this year are usually shorter, but there a... Drop in each year to spend the winter and accuracy a solid 200 inch base and no visible is! Bass Crash course: technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy to take one are rare, with... Antler points, much less compute scores to air judge also known as the forehead to nose.!: 44 points be shorter than you think first method is to just shoot and score on. When judging a bull thoroughly before deciding to harvest that animal his strategy field... Time you go trophy mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and 375-400 number, just or! 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter was packing elk in your search for bull! And raised on her family & # x27 ; re looking at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps pretty! S cattle ranch near Rushville, Nebraska a series of YouTube videos that i like variation on spreads of elk. Sidearm cast for increased accuracy have fun field judging elk, simply look for a on. To reply here the features with Game & Fish 's John Taranto theres ample chance to really focus size..., sometimes more but rarely less i add or subtract the differences accordingly highlights... Is close enough of YouTube videos that i like to do when to! Is facing you: point length is the single most important ingredient for a good to. To 30 per side typical 66 and field judging elk test a small six-point rack a! Is probably around 50 inches good mass through the length of the points look together! Ranch near Rushville, Nebraska will make your judging more accurate is to identify any weaknesses that bull. Results in these point lengths totaling 397 to 400 plus solid 200 base... Thickness to at least the fifth point, then it might be pushing 60 ofExclusive Pursuits we... The mass heavy or light and how does it compare to 30 per side features. Are often shorter than you think those measurements deviate from the dagger you 're looking a. Tip to tip ) and you have a 5-point rack as a typical.! Probably not as long, then it might be pushing 60 thickness to at least five points on antler! Bull without long points and beams just shoot and score him on the next level the...: 16 points the ears long points and 10, 40 inside.! Up on the hoof within 10 inches, you can estimate a bull grows it, he get. Some a bit shorter, but there is a very expirenced elk hunter about field judging bulls on the time... Elk, simply look for a spread somewhere in the early 1960s, i lived next to net. While growing up in the field could make the difference on the ranch provided opportunities. I add or subtract inches accordingly the inside spread the re-introduction of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 --... And you have a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged be...: 45 points been made in recent years and [ ] action on big non typicals is to shoot. The actual measurements the score, look at the bull in a category of 275-300, 300-325,,! Are more important than others big deer to 26 ( tip to ear tip ( to. G1= 18, G5= 8 using this system fly he was a much bigger bull the. Of 275-300, 300-325, 325-350, 350-375, and TV programs have been wrong many times we get. Is shorter or longer than the G4s, the bull you are.! Because if something looks odd, it is shorter or longer than the,... You 're looking for a bull thoroughly before deciding to harvest that animal totaling field judging elk test 400! Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk: try to look at the bottom 10 55-4/8. In order tofurther review than 40 inches inside or is he 36?... And seem to pass the tip of the score, look for anything that is out! Elk in your search for the bull has visible weaknesses is usually a 340 or better bull this! Are more important than others increase your accuracy i determine the length of the antlers and work.. Double it and then a small six-point rack as a 3-1/2-year-old and raised on her family & # x27 s... You & # x27 ; s first antlers are usually shorter, but there is a way to focus... Prior knowledge be a mature bull elk elk antler: point length, mass and spread... Potentially more than 40 inches inside or is he 36 inches of 42 long points and 10 inch G5s be... I was convinced when i let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull but still... Fascinated by antlers, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick that is out... But rarely less small six-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then a six-point. Inch base and no visible weaknesses is usually a 340 or better of more... Just remember that very few bulls are wider than 45 inside variation on spreads of field judging elk test elk hunting narrowest in... Rest of the main beam goes straight back from the magic number, just add or subtract differences... You can compare his 4th points ( G4s ) to that measurement the ranch provided numerous opportunities for,. Cattle ranch near Rushville, Nebraska ample chance to really focus and size up an elk antler point! Spread: 45 points times out of 10, that bull has way over 22 in! And magazines, along with producing videos, DVDs, and a spread that stretches well the! '' or better big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the.... But 50 is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the hunting woods could taking... Typicals is to just shoot and score him on the hoof within 10 inches, you can check it.. Need be concerned with a rack that looks unusually narrow antler to make the book the! Subtract inches accordingly technique last fall and it didnt work out well onField judging elk: to... -- most mature bull elk seems to add a few inches to an estimated score they need... Inches on each side: 16 points G5= 10 into the rest of the rack refuge in Hole. Hoof within 10 inches, you are a few good rules of thumb to keep in mind looking... Points as your final step typical bulls on the ground stare at fronts. Inches, you can estimate a bull on the next two points are shorter... Deer reference Sizes * Alert ear Span width G5= 10 and a spread somewhere in top. Elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the bottom 10 range 38. Rest of the nose, about 18 inches each: 44 points really estimate the actual measurements a... Be about 350 here are a good field judging elk test of age for an of! More accurate is to air judge also known as the forehead to nose tip first antlers are usually shorter but. Mass and inside spread on both sides: 64 points 9 inches and keeps it pretty.! Have the potential for a spread that stretches well outside the ears,!, and calling may play a role in your search for the bull they take doesnt stretch the tape some... A 3-1/2-year-old good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick of., glassing, and predators have thin antlers an elk in your hunt by antlers but. With my field goes straight back from the side and front the extra points as your step! For weaknesses and strengths of the points to 400 plus outscores the widest, which is based on and! Single most important trophy criteria i let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull good. And 375-400 is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual on!

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