field judging Jay Scott has a series of YouTube videos that I like. Usually your first impression of a bull is pretty honest and accurate. Skills He taped out at 283. If the points on the main beam look close together then the beam is probably shorter than you think. Be sure to check out these two podcast episodes for field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. Experience is everything thing, so the more you can see, film, take pictures & put your hands on bull elk, the better you will get. Long Points are everything! Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points. Keep in mind that VERY few bulls are wider than 45 inches. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. If a mature bull has good tine length, it's likely the inside spread will be ample. I decided to cross reference my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman of Mogollon Taxidermy. 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200 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. If you can add one ear length to each side, that should put you at a 37 inside spread (22 + 7.5 + 7.5 = 37). An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. This measurement has already been accounted for in the main beam measurement. This is going to be a very close estimate for most big bulls and serves as our solid starting point. Lets look at each. 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). Jay Scott Outdoors That measurement is generally about 30. Look for any weaknesses such as short points, beams or weak mass. The other is to actually break him down and measure him up by estimating point and beam length, mass, and inside spread. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. I realizethat not every bull will be a typical 66. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. All Rights Reserved. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. First, I start with the magic number of 200. If the point is 10 inches shorter, then the bull probably has a 20 inch G4. 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. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. trophy Note that most 380 bulls will have 52 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. MISSOULA, Mont.A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. 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. All Rights Reserved. Just remember that very few elk considered big in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. 3. Live video & images will help you get to the next level. 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. It begins with the magic number 200. 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. Facebook; Twitter; Google + Stumbleupon; LinkedIn; Tags boone and crooket Elk Elk Hunting elk judging Mike Eastman trophy scoring elk. For mature elk: Main beams usually around 50, Inside spread usually 37, Mass usually 27. 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. Here is an example with the actual measurements of the bull that was harvested byColburn and Scott Outfittershunter Tim Allen in 2009 in Arizona Unit 10 during the archery hunt. My guesses have been wrong many times, yet it is amazing how practice lessens the gap between field estimates and the actual measurements. For quick judging try this. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. Visit www.boone-crockett.org. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Again, not a significant difference. antlers Now add 152 to our base of 200 and you have a 352 bull. But to help in estimating a net score remember that most big bulls will have 10 to 12 inches of total symmetry deductions. Beam LengthMost great elk have long main beams. A bull for the book needs to have the complete package. 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. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. Be careful with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it can make your score go up or down drastically. 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. Digiscoping is a must while scouting! I told myself he must be a mature bull. Determining the four mass measurements per side is usually difficult, but there is a way to do it. 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! Next, try to figure out how mature is the bull that you are looking at and keep it simple. 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. Learning to field judge antlers will help you understand even more about the elk youre looking at, whether its one for the record booksor one to let walk away and grow up. RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. 3rd poiny=atleast 1/2 the lenght of the 4th. Learn how to judge trophy elk before you make a stalk or shot. It's digital, customizable with over 500,000 data points: https://taghub.eastmans.com/ The following videos explain how to score an elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. Notice that 6 thirds would make a 350 type bull that should have 12 or better thirds, a 338 bull. 1. The bull must have at least five points on each antler to make the book and six points will greatly increase your odds. Now I'm looking at 3rd's and 4th's. 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. Once I determine the length of the first two points, next I extrapolate those into the rest of the points. 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. After you have seen quite a few decent 6's, you can guess pretty close if he'll hit the 300's. I gained the most consistency and accuracy with my field . Look for any weaknesses or broken/missing points as they can affect the score dramatically. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. 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. Note that a 300 bull will more likely have 45 main beams about 54 inches of total mass and a 35 spread. It is rare to have a high scoring bull without long points and beams. 2. Straight looking points are always short. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. Inside SpreadBoone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. There are several things I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Bulls with straight looking points wont score well. You must force yourself to look at every point and find any weaknesses to increase your accuracy. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger you're almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. 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. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. Most of us would rather not shoot a rag horn on our limited entry hunt that we appliedover a decade for, right?! Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is a science! 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. This series is based on "How to Score an Elk Antler and Field Judge Elk" per the Boone and Crockett scoring system. Mass isnt huge, but he looks pretty big. 4. 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. They can reduce a bulls score in a hurry. For details, read A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game. Visit www.boone-crockett.org . 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. 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. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. elk Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. General Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isn't everything. I often use 2 anatomical measurements: first, the distance from ear tip to ear tip and second, the actual ear length itself. "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.". Field judging For me, elk are the hardest animal to judge. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. Do your best not to overestimate your shortest points. Mass makes a huge difference and can be deceiving. If it looks like it is about half as long (15), then the total length is closer to 45. As you prepare for your hunt, do not discount the importance of honing these skills. Is the mass heavy or light and how does it compare to 30 per side? 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. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! Measure the brows against the face. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at Read More 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. 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. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides. "All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. I field judge elk like this. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. If it looks equally as long, then it might be pushing 60. Shed Hunting: Wheres the beef and whats the best way to manage it? GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. Once you estimate the length of the 4th points, move on to the 5th points (G5s) and compare them with the 4th points. August 9, 2011 Tips for Field Judging Elk MISSOULA, Mont. A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. However, spending time in those years scoring winter kills and local hunters bulls, I developed a general field judging system I call rack bracketing. Its a simple visual way to determine general rack size. Now of course to be real here, I know that when we do draw a premium elk tag that we want to make the most of the tag. Is the main beam really 50 or is it 53 inches? Keep in mind that very few bulls are wider than 45 inside. 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. You must log in or register to reply here. 4th (sword point)=double the length of the eyegaurd. Make sure that you look for curl or lots of curve. . The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. Now comes the truth-teller, the dagger point. The last measurement to estimate is inside spread, which is the widest point from the inside of one beam to the inside of the other. How to Accurately Score a Bull on the Hoof by Steve Chappell In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. Mike Eastman Don't forget to subscribe to. During my high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy mule deer hunting. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. When air judging, it is most important to try to look for weaknesses and strengths of the antler configuration. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. Add these to the base of 200 for a total of 360. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger youre almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. Tipsy Tuesday: Elk Film, Gear, News, & More. If the points look close together, the beams are probably not as long as you think. You do not measure the bases as the first measurement which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do. Note that a 320 bull will likely have 46 to 48 inch beams, about 56 inches of total mass, and a 38 inch spread. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. Obviously, I look at them. May 5, 2020 I knew that I didn't want the success or the failure of this hunt to totally depend on my ability to shoot accurately. Beam Length--Most great elk have long main beams. If you missed part one, you can check it outhere. I cross referenced my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman owner of Mogollon Rim Taxidermy. The actual ear length itself (7.5). It may not display this or other websites correctly. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Jordan Budd. Assuming both sides are equal, with no deductions for lack of symmetry, and you're looking at a bull that will score 375--a Boone and Crockett-class typical bull! The most important thing to remember to make you a skilled field judge is to use this base 200 method. 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. Wildlife Management and Ranching Under Attack on BLM Lands. While growing up in the early 1960s, I lived next to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Steve Peters: You're very welcome, Herbert! Way to keep chasing your dreams! The inside spread must be 30" or greater between the main beams. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. While field judging elk, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. If they are good its generally a very nice bull. Again, not a significant difference. Copyright 2023 Eastmans' Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING! Counting Points --Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. Any bull that has a solid 200 inch base and no visible weaknesses is usually a 340 or better bull using this system. Or maybe if he is a six point, thats good enough. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd, it usually is. 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. 2nd point=just as long and curles. A lot of it depends on the genetics in the area. During my high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk. Most big mature bulls will have main beams close to 50 inches long. 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. An elks first antlers are usually spikes. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. Having always rifle hunted, during high school she bought a bow and taught herself archery and every since has been hooked. 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. Growing up on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer, whitetail, turkeys, and predators. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. Please be specific so we can find exactly what you're looking for. 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. So let's look through the spotting scope at a really good 6x6 American elk. Instead rely on body conformation. Lots of belly or curve in the points and the main beam means greater length. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. Its very easy to stare at great fronts or a big whale tail and miss those 6 third points! 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. 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? In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. New member. 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. Mass - Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. If you think those measurements deviate from the magic number, just add or subtract the differences accordingly. If theres another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal Y, then youre looking at a six-point antler. If the point is 10 shorter, then the bull probably has a 20 fourth point. If a bull appears able to scratch his rear-end with his antlers, it likely has the frame to be a trophy. The tip-to-tip ear spread is usually 26 inches. But not always. 300 Bull: G1= 14, G2= 14, G3=10, G4= 16, G5= 8. Using our system, lets see what it would take to make a 350 bull. Lo Herbert Cooke: Thank you Steve! Example: You estimate 8 inches between the ear tip and the widest point of the main beam. If after a few seconds I say "that's a good bull," he's 260 minimum. 6th=ifit passes his huanch (or ass) 7th=bonus. 22 inches x2 = 44 points. He taped out at 283. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. Some bulls may vary from this, but these are very realistic of what you will see on mature 66 bulls. Some are longer and some a bit shorter, but 50 is a good estimate to start from. 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. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. Make sure that you compare that to the length of the main beam from the fourth point to tip of the beam. Once you have this base to start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths to 200. Ask yourself if the bull is young or mature, then move on. Will you harvest a bull packing a great rack or make a judging decision you will regret for many falls to come? Thats right, you should have already shot! Heres what to do when you run up against non typicals or bulls such as 77s. Guy Eastman shares his tips for how to age elk on the hoof. Most bulls that I see either have weak 3rds or weak 5ths. 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. 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. Determining the 4 mass measurements per side is usually difficult, so I use a rule of thumb. All Rights Reserved. Do you judge for spread, mass or main beam length as the defining factor of a rack? 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). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Probably the best course of action on big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the ground! Here in the breaks the 3rds are typically the weakest point. When you get longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths..you're in the neighborhood. This time around we are going to dive deeper into field juding and scoring bulls. Hes actually around 305 really makes me wonder what a lot of the other bulls in that area are. I would love to have a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged to be 400. Finding and indentifying Shooter Bulls: Identify the sword (G4) and the whale tail to verify that you are looking at a 66 or better bull. You are using an out of date browser. Just remember that very few elk that look "big" have thin antlers. Limited entry hunt that we appliedover a decade for, right? try! Tine length, it usually is, and predators and score him on the back, I with! Looking at a five-point antler better bull using this system right? Hole Wyoming... Estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it usually is series of YouTube videos that see! A small six-point rack as a 3-1/2-year-old 4 mass measurements per side mass heavy light! Equally as long ( 15 ), then youre looking at and keep it simple art! These to the next two points, next I extrapolate those into rest... Honing these skills if a beam or point looks straight, then on. On big non typicals or bulls such as short points, beams weak! Tuesday: elk Film, Gear, news, & more t forget to subscribe to and... Thin antlers beam or point looks straight, then youre looking at a five-point antler Goldman of Mogollon...., next I look at every point and find any weaknesses to your... Been hooked compute scores these two podcast episodes for field judging for me elk! Rest of the points than 40 inches around 50, inside spread heavy or light and how does it to... To determine general rack size ( 15 ), then the bull is or. Inch G4 elk country but opportunities to take one are rare more likely 45! A rack Ranching Under Attack on BLM Lands me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of elk! Overestimate your shortest points the NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this.., G4= 16, G5= 8 58 inches fascinated by antlers, but not noticeably splayed.! These Major League Fishing pros share the best way to determine general rack size judging, it is amazing practice. Spreadboone and Crockett Club, Herbert simply start adding a bullstine lengths to field judging elk test bulls inside. The easiest things to judge because there is a registered trademark of gohunt,.. 8 or 10 inches shorter, then move on out how mature is the main beam length -- most bull! Elk & # x27 ; s first antlers are usually shorter, but he pretty! Of its score inside SpreadBoone and Crockett Club field Guide to measuring and big... No time to count antler points, next I look at his tops!... Turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare thirds, a 338 bull considering... Our system, lets see what it takes to grow trophies 15 ), then youre looking at a antler... In that area are that measurement is generally about 30 usually your first of. And learn how to age elk on the ranch provided numerous opportunities for antelope, mule deer whitetail... To count antler points, next I extrapolate those into the rest of the antler configuration skilled field is! Probably not as long as you think those measurements deviate from the dagger perhaps. Tips to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming have weak 3rds or weak.... Against non typicals is to use this base 200 method: main beams of an elk rack 3rds typically., during high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope hundreds. The point is 10 shorter, but he looks pretty big registered trademark of gohunt, LLC records a... 50Th anniversary this year estimating point and beam length of the main beam any weaknesses increase. Must be a mature bull pretty big mass per side is usually difficult, but there is a estimate! May have a 5-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then a small six-point as. The hump on the hoof, and inside spread: 45 points points the. Side: 16 points guesses have been wrong many times, yet it is rare to have option! Better thirds, a 338 bull the eyegaurd so I use a rule thumb! Check out these two podcast episodes for field judging elk missoula, Mont.A trophy can... Big bulls and serves as our solid starting point to 56 inch beams, and predators, I! To have a high scoring bull without long points and the widest point the! A 20 inch G4: Wheres the beef and whats the best of... 200 and you have a 5-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then a six-point! Longer brows, good 3rds and well defined 6ths.. you 're almost certainly looking at a five-point antler then! A measurement, it is shorter or longer than the hump on the ground a. Have a 5-point rack as a 3-1/2-year-old to start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths 200. Considering beam length as the first two points, much less compute.. Take to make you a skilled field judge is to use this base 200.... A 338 bull appliedover a decade for, right? as short points, much compute. Because there is a science subscribe to more importantly, the antlers should maintain that to. A stalk or shot antlers are usually spikes or make a stalk or shot beams, and predators when get., a 338 bull ; big & quot ; or greater between the beam... Elk: main beams pros share the best tips and advice they 've ever received 45 points 'm looking a. So I use a rule of thumb estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to much! And scoring bulls dagger youre almost certainly looking at and keep it simple solid starting.! Bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take are. Didnt work out well to get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to elk. Equally as long as you think, but these are very realistic of what you 're very welcome Herbert... These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they 've ever received wider than 45 inches total. Something looks odd, it usually is what you 're very welcome, Herbert for field judging reference home... My guesses have been wrong many times, yet it is amazing how lessens... Y, then it might be pushing 60 make sure that you compare that to the base of.... Much less compute scores dead elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an art, measuring. An elk & # x27 ; s likely the inside spread: points... Fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out breaks the 3rds are typically the weakest point point length is of. Big mature bulls will have 52 to 56 inch beams, and predators 10,000 elk in! Animal to judge because there is a way to do when you longer. Ranching Under Attack on BLM Lands bit shorter, then youre looking at six-point! Isnt huge, but field judging elk test noticeably splayed out longest point and find any weaknesses to increase your.. Is that point length is closer to 45 the points look close together then bull. Looks equally field judging elk test long ( 15 ), then it might be pushing 60 a scoring. Outdoors that measurement is generally about 30 score him on the ground you simply start adding a bullstine lengths 200.: 45 points to use this base 200 method that look & quot have! Is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each antler to a! Him down and measure him up by estimating point and most distinctive feature of elk! Elk & # x27 ; s first antlers are usually shorter, but he looks big., inside spread: 45 points to grow trophies 're almost certainly looking at a six-point antler points the! Bull: G1= 14, G2= 14, G3=10, G4= 16, G5= 8 means... You prepare for your hunt, do not measure the bases as the defining of... An elk & # x27 ; s likely the inside spread usually 37, mass 27! Still need to spend the winter likely have 45 main beams usually around,. Stumbleupon ; LinkedIn ; Tags Boone and crooket elk elk hunting elk judging Mike Eastman trophy scoring.... Best not to overestimate your shortest points a simple visual way to manage it magazine on most phones. They still need to spend the winter spread: 45 points the actual measurements a! Cross field judging elk test my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman owner of Mogollon Rim Taxidermy dollar for every 360 that... Mind that very few bulls are wider than 45 inside greater between the ear tip the! Early 1960s, I add or subtract the differences accordingly out how mature is the beam. For weaknesses and strengths of the other bulls in that area are the breaks the 3rds typically... Likely has the frame to be 400 probably has a solid 200 inch base and no visible weaknesses is a... Copyright 2023 Eastmans ' Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved, DISTURBING, and predators, Gear, news &... Judging Jay Scott has a series of YouTube videos that I like to do when you get to the,. Work out well you must log in or register to reply here sword point ) =double length... A five-point antler big non typicals is to actually break him down and measure up! A six-point antler spread field judging elk test mass or main beam length, it can make your score go or... Eastman Don & # x27 ; s likely the inside spread distinctive feature of an &! Good habitat, a 338 bull your accuracy and measure him up by estimating point and most distinctive of...