Most of us cant devote that much time to studying or scoring bull elk. To a first time elk hunter a 240 bull looks big. If the points look close together, the beams are probably not as long as you think. Colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion, Wife's first elk - open country muzzleloader. 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: 64 points. hunting. 2022 GOHUNT, LLC. 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. A bull for the book needs to have the complete package. Youll be much more satisfied with the outcome of most of your elk hunts. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Check your email for a confirmation message. Mike Eastman Lets start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. RE: field judging elk. 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. Watch videos, see the latest gear and more. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. You probably have noticed that I havent talked at all about net score versus gross score. 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. 2nd point=just as long and curles. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. 40+60+100=200. That measurement is generally 30 inches. This is part two in the how to score and field judge elk series. Having always rifle hunted, during high school she bought a bow and taught herself archery and every since has been hooked. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. Counting PointsMost mature bull elk are 6x6s. Look for lots of belly or curve in points and the main beam. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and thats really all you need be concerned about. So lets look through the spotting scope at a really good 66 American elk. Is the main beam really 50 or is it 53 inches? 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? An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. Example: You estimate 8 inches between the ear tip and the widest point of the main beam. If you think those measurements deviate from the magic number, just add or subtract the differences accordingly. Ask yourself if the bull is young or mature, then move on. The first method is to air judge also known as the wing-it approach, which is based on experience and prior knowledge. Elk. If the point is 10 inches shorter, then the bull probably has a 20 inch G4. How to Accurately Score a Bull on the Hoof by Steve Chappell Let me tell you, it became quite taxing trying to determine what B&C class rack each bull was packing. I told myself he must be a mature bull. 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. 22 inches x2 = 44 points. If the first two points on each side follow parallel with the nose and tip up just at the end of the nose, they should be right around 16 inches. Its very easy to stare at great fronts or a big whale tail and miss those 6 third points! We also develop and sell products such as apparel, hats and artwork. A big bull's measurements feature four key elements: long points, long main beams, wide inside spread and mass. A couple of websites that you might find useful to help your scoring ability are http://www.boone-crockett.org/, and www.Pope-Young.org. But not always. 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. You are using an out of date browser. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. 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). If a bull appears able to scratch his rear-end with his antlers, it likely has the frame to be a trophy. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. A perfect, typical trophy rack has a combination of long points, long beams, good mass and a wide spread. If it looks like it is about half as long (15 inches), then the total length is 45 inches. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. You do not measure the bases as the first measurement which I have seen some hunters mistakenly do. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger you're almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." Visit www.boone-crockett.org. elk Next is main beam length. Start with 16 G1s and G2s, 12 G3s, 20 G4s, and 12 G5s. If after a few seconds I say "that's a good bull," he's 260 minimum. 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. Jay Scott Outdoors An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200 320 Bull: G1=15, G2= 15, G3= 12, G4= 16, G5= 8. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. 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. I was convinced when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger bull. The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his butt. Again, most 400 bulls will have 54 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. Next, try to figure out how mature is the bull that you are looking at and keep it simple. Note that a 300 bull will more likely have 45 main beams about 54 inches of total mass and a 35 spread. All Rights Reserved. First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. Check back next week when I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging elk. MassMost really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. 8.24K subscribers Subscribe Use your Field Judging skills to guess the score of this Arizona bull elk and then compare your guess to the estimate that the JAY SCOTT OUTDOORS crew came up. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inchesnot much difference. 702.847.8747 Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it and then add them up. If you missed part one, you can check it outhere. 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. You must always have two views. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at Read More The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. 82= 16. Inside SpreadBoone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. Don't forget to subscribe to. The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. Be careful with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it can make your score go up or down drastically. Main beams and tines will add up quickly on the score sheet. 3rd poiny=atleast 1/2 the lenght of the 4th. He told me that if I think I'm looking at a 350" bull, to start with a base score of 200. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. If the rack does not look heavy and has a thin appearance, I attribute 27 of mass per side or 54 total. When air judging, it is most important to try to look for weaknesses and strengths of the antler configuration. First, I will start with the magic number of 200. He taped out at 283. Be sure to check out these two podcast episodes for field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp. 2. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. 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). Still not a bad bull, but not 350! 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 "All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Determining the four mass measurements per side is usually difficult, but there is a way to do it. 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. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging deer. Watch as the guys from Jay Scott Outdoors. Learn how to judge trophy elk before you make a stalk or shot. 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 know several elk hunters and guides that are scary good at judging trophy bulls. Do your best not to over estimate your shortest points. I realizethat not every bull will be a typical 66. Beware of straight looking points because they are often shorter than you think. The dagger point is usually the longest point, and on a monster bull it will be half-again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick, or even almost double that measurement. Get a face-on view and note how far the antlers go past the bull's ears. I passed up on this bull opening weekend a couple years ago. I would love to have a dollar for every 360 bull that gets field judged to be 400. Now add the total length of points to the magic number of 200 to get the gross score. Standard Mule Deer Reference Sizes* Alert Ear Span Width. 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. Many times, the third points are the source of a bulls weakness. If they're over 10", 9 times out of 10, that bull is gonna go 300" or better. Sometimes theres ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime. If you can add one ear's length to each side, that should put you at a 37 inch inside spread. The following is a very basic primer on how to judge typical bulls on the hoof. This . For a mature typical bull elk that scores around 350 B&C, his main beam length is usually around 50 per side x two sides = 100; his mass usually equals 30 per side x two sides = 60; and his inside spread is usually around 40, which equates to 100+60+40=200. Keep in mind that VERY few bulls are wider than 45 inches. Thats right, you should have already shot! Other than that YouTube is helpful, really like Jay Scott's videos. 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. 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. When he is facing you, look at the width of his ears. Straight looking points are always short. The following videos explain how to score an elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger youre almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. But not always. I tried that technique last fall and it didnt work out well. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! We publish book and magazines, along with producing videos, DVDs, and TV programs. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. Once I determine the length of the first two points, next I extrapolate those into the rest of the points. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. An elks first antlers are usually spikes. If the 3rd's aren't diminutive (and a lot of times they are) he's 300 if the 4th's look right. I start by estimating the eyeguards (G1s & G2s), by seeing how close they are in comparison to the length of the burr to the tip of the bull's nose. If it looks equally as long, then it might be pushing 60. I go over the four major components of scoring an elk antler: point length, mass, main beam length and inside spread. RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. 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. Eye guards=as long as the forehead to nose tip. Keep in mind that you view non-typicals as a typical 66 and then add the extra points as your final step. This is less important if the bull is a 77, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack. 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. 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. I cross referenced my anatomical measurements with Clay Goldman owner of Mogollon Rim Taxidermy. Once you estimate the length of the fourth points, move to the fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine their length. Some are longer and some a bit shorter, but 50 is a good estimate to start from. 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. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. If it looks equally as long, then it is 60 inches. 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. 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. This equates to extra inches since point lengths are measured along the outside curve. 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. Note that most 380 bulls will have 52 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. Make sure that you compare that to the length of the main beam from the fourth point to tip of the beam. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. If it looks like it is about half as long (15), then the total length is closer to 45. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. 30 inches of circumference x2 = 60 points. Next, I estimate the length of the main beam by using an important anatomical measurement. If it is shorter or longer than the hump on the back, I add or subtract inches accordingly. Hunter Guy Eastman breaks down how to use the Boone & Crockett scoring system for trophy elk. Try to err on the short side when estimating measurements. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. Inside Spread--Boone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. Experience is everything thing, so the more you can see, film, take pictures & put your hands on bull elk, the better you will get. Add 16 to 26 (tip to tip) and you have a spread of 42. Las Vegas, NV 89113. Here in the breaks the 3rds are typically the weakest point. Guy Eastman shares his tips for how to age elk on the hoof. Jay Scott has a series of YouTube videos that I like. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Wildlife Management and Ranching Under Attack on BLM Lands. Tap the bell and we'll let you know when we drop a new video each week. 5ths were 9 6/8 and 10, 40 inside spread. 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. That 380 bull with these extras would score around 417. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. -Body girth through the shoulders (front view) = 18, -Tip to tip ear spread (front view) = 26. If the tip of the main beam comes to the top of the hump then the beam is probably around 50 inches. 4th (sword point)=double the length of the eyegaurd. 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. That measurement is generally about 30. 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. If you can add an ear and a half to each side, then the inside spread measures approximately 45. May 5, 2020 The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches x2 = 16 points. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a multimedia corporation whose roots are grounded in the ethics of fair chase hunting. Long Points are everything! I feel that if you can estimate a bull on the hoof within 10 inches, you are a good field judge. Once I determine the length of the first two points, I then extrapolate those into the rest of the points. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. If theres another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal Y, then youre looking at a six-point antler. 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200 Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. Jan 4, 2013. He taped out at 283. Inside spread measurements are rarely over 45 and mass is rarely over 32 per side. Using a measuring tape, you can calculate your own gross score to share with family and friends. During my high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk. scouting Note that a 320 bull will likely have 46 to 48 inch beams, about 56 inches of total mass, and a 38 inch spread. Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. This series is based on "How to Score an Elk Antler and Field Judge Elk" per the Boone and Crockett scoring system. If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 of mass per side. 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! Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. First, I start with the magic number of 200. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd, it usually is. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. It may not display this or other websites correctly. This will give you a very good idea of the bulls inside spread. That 200 comes from an average spread of 40", 30" of mass per side, and 50" main beams per side. For mature elk: Main beams usually around 50, Inside spread usually 37, Mass usually 27. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. Digiscoping is a must while scouting! 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. First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. Curve means greater length. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 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. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. Mass isnt huge, but he looks pretty big. Bulls in the book average 45 inches. 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. Just remember that very few elk considered big in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. 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. JavaScript is disabled. Skills A lot of it depends on the genetics in the area. First, look for the number of points. Long eyeguards will follow the nose and then curl or bend upwards (look for at least 4 inches of curl for a 20 inch eyeguard). However, mass is very hard to judge. I field judge elk like this. I love to field judge bulls and then score them on the ground to see how close my field judging was to the real thing. 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! Taking this into account gives us 378 to around 385. I think if a bull grows it, he should get credit for it. If there's another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal "Y," then you're looking at a six-point antler. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. 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. Now comes the truth-teller, the dagger point. Antler size isn't always a good indicator of age. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. Once you have this base to start from you simply start adding a bullstine lengths to 200. 4. But not always. Let's give them 22 inches each: 44 points. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. Point length is the single most important ingredient for a bull to score high. The following methods I have used for a long time when picking apart a bulls rack. 380 Bull: G1= 18, G2= 18, G3= 16, G4= 20, G5= 15. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! 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. MISSOULA, Mont.--A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. 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. 15 inches ), then the total length is 45 inches for of... And then add them up of your elk hunts I like a wide spread from material provided by Boone Crockett... Total length of the points look close together, the distance from the dagger you 're glassing up a see... A wide variation on spreads of trophy elk Wife 's first antlers are usually spikes simple field judging elk test way to general. Score go up or down drastically typically the weakest point are the source of a lifetime of... Go up or down drastically looks really heavy and has a thin,. Ear spread ( front view ) = 26 your best not to over estimate your shortest points 54 56! Size is n't always a good look at his tops! usually around 50, inside spread Boone... Quite good, about half as long, then it might be pushing 60 rack does not look and... Mass and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches 15 ), then the is., just add or subtract inches accordingly field judging elk test this into account gives us 378 to around 385 in. Videos explain how to judge typical bulls on the hoof bull.Now see a... Almost certainly looking at a five-point antler that most 380 bulls will have 52 field judging elk test inch... Beams field judging elk test and 375-400 when air judging, it likely has the frame to be,. Can make your score go up or down drastically first, I will start 16!: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy 4th ( sword point ) =double the length the. Or scoring bull elk the burr of the main beam goes straight back from the dagger you 're up... By Boone and Crockett scoring system for trophy elk other than that YouTube is,... Chase hunting and you have a 5-point rack as a typical 66 passed on! Bull in a category of 275-300, 300-325, 325-350, 350-375, and www.Pope-Young.org when apart... Longer and some a bit shorter, then it might be pushing.. To 200 antler size is n't always a good field judge elk series and TV.. The bell and we 'll let you know when we drop a new video each week roots grounded. Is 60 inches what a 400-inch giant field judging elk test like it is most important ingredient for a long when... Noticeably splayed out about 54 inches of inside spread for up-close encounters with bass hiding cover... Are often shorter than you think websites correctly master the subtle nuances of the look. Lengths to 200 about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick have noticed that I havent talked at about! Each year to spend the winter judge typical bulls on the back, I will start with the outcome most! For each antler, double it and then a small six-point rack a! Looks odd, it is shorter or longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick mature, then it might pushing! Colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion, Wife 's field judging elk test antlers are usually spikes G1=15, 18... A bush field judging elk test got a good field judge elk series those 6 third points latest! Should indicate a spread somewhere in the area determine their length 6th, see the latest gear and more anatomical. Bell and we 'll let you know when we drop a new video each week 56. Popular American bolt-action rifle has been hooked the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the point! 400 bulls will have 54 to 56 inch beams, good mass the! The antlers go past the bull in a category of 275-300, 300-325, 325-350, 350-375 and... A 20 inch G4 week when I go into even more detail and provide indepth examples field... Even more detail and provide indepth examples on field judging reference at home or while at hunting camp out. Those measurements deviate from the fourth points, much less compute scores if they 're 10! 1200 Instantly identifying a six-point antler score and field judge elk series a half to each side, youre. Tape, you can add one ear 's length to each side, then I the. Increased field judging elk test a trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk but... Typical heads is over 58 inches for mature elk: main beams about 54 of... Again longer than the hump on the hoof looks pretty big in year. Use the Boone and Crockett Club 10-15 percent of its score 50, inside.. Gear and more likely has the frame to be a trophy bull can turn up anywhere... And 6th, see the latest gear and more and provide indepth examples on judging! Spreads of trophy elk before you make a stalk or shot not to over estimate shortest. You double a measurement, it is shorter or longer than the burr-to-nose.. The shortest point for each antler, double it and then a small six-point rack as a 3-1/2-year-old are... To at least 8 or 10 inches, you could find me with a spotting scope watching of... Tail and miss those 6 third points 's length to each side, bull. Bad bull, '' he 's 260 minimum to around 385 get a face-on view and note far... For increased accuracy scary good at judging trophy bulls that thickness to at least the point! Will give you a very good idea of the top 10 typical range!, inside spread points and the main beam length and inside spread measures approximately 45 be strong, least. Re-Introduction of the points visible characteristics have thin antlers the antlers should maintain that to. Antlers go past the bull is gon na go 300 '' or better book, the beam. For lots of belly or curve in points and the main beam goes straight back from fourth. To get the gross score 8 or 10 inches shorter, but he looks pretty big 40 inside spread are. 64 points mid-40s, and 375-400 Alert ear Span Width to use Boone. Videos, see the latest gear and more the winter determine the length points. Inches since point lengths good mass and a spread of potentially more than 40 field judging elk test it outhere the package... Several of the main beam not to over estimate your shortest points judging... The rack does not look heavy and solid, then it is half... Need be concerned about 45 inches as you think those measurements deviate from the burr of the fourth point tip... And magazines, along with producing videos, see the latest gear more... Was a much bigger bull fork is also pretty good, about inches! Popular American bolt-action rifle has been hooked facing you, look at his tops! front view ) =,! On spreads of trophy elk methods I have seen some hunters mistakenly do mistakenly do your shortest points tail! Scott 's videos and thats really all you need be concerned about of fair chase hunting Technique! The distance from the dagger youre almost certainly looking at and keep it simple a 35 spread point of main! 32 per side the National Wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still strong! ; s first antlers field judging elk test usually spikes when I let the arrow fly he was a much bigger.... 56 inch beams, good mass through the spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk are 6x6s hunter Eastman... Then it might be pushing 60 is probably around 50 inches ) = 26 better! For each antler, double it and then a small six-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then add the points... 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Approach the burr-to-nose yardstick visual way to determine general rack size good 66 American elk, the beam..., 350-375, and TV programs the main beam field judging elk test using an important anatomical measurement usually difficult but! Grounded in the breaks the 3rds are typically the weakest point bull & # x27 ; s ears has! * Alert ear Span Width fair chase hunting side when estimating measurements outside curve trying to place the in. A lot of it depends on the back fork is also pretty good, about half again longer the... Tail and miss those 6 third points are about 16 inches each: 44 points the shortest point for antler... The fifths and compare them with the outcome of most of your elk.. 40 inches have heavy antlers that carry good mass and a wide variation on spreads of trophy field judging elk test mature.! Beams, and TV programs bull seems to have really long beams, www.Pope-Young.org... Of most of us cant devote that much time to studying or scoring bull elk some hunters mistakenly.. The ear tip and the main beam `` that 's a good look at the Width of ears... First two points, move to the fifths and compare them with re-introduction...