If they are good its generally a very nice bull. JavaScript is disabled. Watching this bull rake a bush I got a good look at his tops!! The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. He taped out at 283. Now, he's 280, P&Y minimum. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. Keep in mind that very few bulls are wider than 45 inside. But they spend thousands of hours year-round documenting big bulls and picking up these bulls sheds to score. Skills That measurement is generally about 30. If a bull looks really heavy and solid, then I estimate about 30 of mass per side. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points. Inline, Non-Typical and/or extra points can dramatically increase the gross score. 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. Other than big fish stories, I dont know of anything that gets stretched more than the size of a bull elks rack. 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. Everyone should have a B&C benchmark before heading into the land of the bull elk. If it looks like it is about half as long (15 inches), then the total length is 45 inches. Field judging elk is an art, while scoring a dead elk is a science. Keep in mind that on 66s you dont add the extension of the main beam past the bulls G5 as a sixth point. 30 inches of circumference x2 = 60 points. Long brow tines usually will follow the nose and then curl or bend upward. Just as you used ears to judge the length of the main beam, use them to judge the spread. Again, not a significant difference. Mass is tough to field judge. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is a science! 82= 16. Any bull that has a solid 200 inch base and no visible weaknesses is usually a 340 or better bull using this system. 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. The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. Curved points with belly to them are longer. Most of us cant devote that much time to studying or scoring bull elk. Obviously, I look at them. No need to spend much more time considering beam length. Spread is fairly wide but not crazy. Get a face-on view and note how far the antlers go past the bull's ears. I often use 2 anatomical measurements: first, the distance from ear tip to ear tip and second, the actual ear length itself. Again, not a significant difference. Measure the brows against the face. 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. Watch this episode of Beyond the Grid next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I1Hp_JAZJAWatch the new Eastmans' Beyond the Grid hunting series: https://www.youtube.comhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsCaxOyKjb4rEqH0wImLVDtAxDdL6i4QiSubscribe to our channel now: https://www.youtube.comhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN8dXoUjBrs37i3OBdlww3A#howto #hunting #eastmanshuntingournals--Join 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! The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. 320 Bull: G1=15, G2= 15, G3= 12, G4= 16, G5= 8. If you can add an ear and a half, then the inside spread measures 44.5 inches. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd, it usually is. Notice that 6 thirds would make a 350 type bull that should have 12 or better thirds, a 338 bull. Air judging is the least accurate & typically is only used when you only have a few seconds or minutes to look over a bull. Share. Next I look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each. 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. Look for good spacing between the points. It may not display this or other websites correctly. When a bull is broadside, you can compare his fourth point to that measurement. 36 points. 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. On a 6x6, the last point matters a lot. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. Now that weve got our solid base score of 200 to start with lets see what the average breakdown is for most bulls from 300 to 400. 400 Bull: G1= 20, G2= 20, G3= 20, G4= 20, G5= 16. Trying to determine mass is very hard and requires scoring a lot of racks, but if you use those number you will often be close. 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. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging elk. Here is video #1 -. I passed up on this bull opening weekend a couple years ago. Quick and Easy Field Judging Bull Elk Mike Eastman May 5, 2020 General 0 In this day and age with the aggressive management work of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, harvesting a trophy bull elk is within the realm of most hunters and finally you have secured a once in a decade tag. 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. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. I highly recommend dissecting a bull thoroughly before deciding to harvest that animal. While growing up in the early 1960s, I lived next to the federal elk refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. Once you determine a bull to be something you want to go after I highly recommend using the two methods listed below, Estimating Actual Measurements and Estimating Shortest Points. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. However, mass is very hard to judge. 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. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Wildlife Management and Ranching Under Attack on BLM Lands. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides. When air judging I look for these particular things in this exact order: point length, main beams, mass and then spread. Lastly, go back and read the first paragraph of this article and take it to heart. Colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion, Wife's first elk - open country muzzleloader. 6th=ifit passes his huanch (or ass) 7th=bonus. There are several things I like to do when trying to estimate the actual measurements on a bull elk. Look for any weaknesses or broken/missing points as they can affect the score dramatically. MISSOULA, Mont.A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. The main beam length from burr to fourth point is usually around 30. First impressions of a bull while air judging is extremely important. 1. One of the best ways to improve your field judging skills is to practice field judging bulls before actually measuring them. 4th (sword point)=double the length of the eyegaurd. The inside spread must be 30" or greater between the main beams. Once you estimate the length of the fourth points, move to the fifths and compare them with the fourths to determine their length. Add these to the base of 200 for a total of 360. All Rights Reserved. Next, I estimate the length of the shortest point for each antler, double it, and then add them up. Antler size isn't always a good indicator of age. Try to err on the short side when estimating measurements. 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. 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. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well. The only way to really estimate the inside spread of a bull is for him to be facing you. 702.847.8747 In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. Do you judge for spread, mass or main beam length as the defining factor of a rack? An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 elk drop in each year to spend the winter. Digiscoping is a must while scouting! Do your best not to overestimate your shortest points. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose. When he's facing you, look at the width of his ears. A great skill to have when hunting for elk is "field judging". A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. 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. Lets look at each. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. Id be hunting the San Carlos Reservation every year! Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. All Rights Reserved. Next is main beam length. Jordan Budd. Listen to 2 Episodes of the Podcast onField Judging Elk : Try to always be conservative when judging a bull. An elks first antlers are usually spikes. GOHUNT is a registered trademark of GOHUNT, LLC. If the point is 10 shorter, then the bull probably has a 20 fourth point. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point. A 350 bull must have an average of 16 inches for his G1 through G4 points and 10 inch G5s to be about 350. Thats right, you should have already shot! First, I start with the magic number of 200. Inside SpreadBoone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. Taking these tips to the field could make the difference on the next time you go trophy elk hunting. Please be specific so we can find exactly what you're looking for. But to help in estimating a net score remember that most big bulls will have 10 to 12 inches of total symmetry deductions. Now I'm looking at 3rd's and 4th's. So far, the bull is totaling 215. From there, I just go off emotion. 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200 To more accurately estimate the inside spread of a bull- visually suspend the ear spread between the widest point of the beams. I feel that if you can estimate a bull on the hoof within 10 inches, you are a good field judge. Look for good curve in the G1, G2, & G3 points. It could be your one shot in your hunting career at harvesting a really big, trophy class bull. Live video & images will help you get to the next level. Eastmans Publishing, Inc. is a holding company engaged in publishing. Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread in order tofurther review. 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. Thankfully, great progress has been made in recent years and []. Just remember that very few elk that look "big" have thin antlers. 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. A bull for the book needs to have the complete package. antlers Next, look at width and mass. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. This . . 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. RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. He taped out at 283. He had 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side. Here in the breaks the 3rds are typically the weakest point. 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. All Rights Reserved. Determining the four mass measurements per side is usually difficult, but there is a way to do it. It's digital, customizable with over 500,000 data points: https://taghub.eastmans.com/ We also develop and sell products such as apparel, hats and artwork. First, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths. Note that most 380 bulls will have 52 to 56 inch beams, and a spread of potentially more than 40 inches. So, with the proper balance in mind lets look at a great method for scoring mature bulls on the hoof. 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. If it looks equally as long, then it might be pushing 60. They are like a guess the score game- pretty fun. 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. Dude Ranches, Horse Riding and Pack Trips. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. Again, not a significant difference. | "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.". Let's look at each. 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. 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. Among the accomplishments includes the recently concluded Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt initiative, which in 10 years conserved or enhanced 5.3 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, recruited 1.5 million new or lapsed hunters, and opened new access to 750,000 acres for hunting and recreation. You must force yourself to look at every point and find any weaknesses to increase your accuracy. I was told by a very expirenced elk hunter about field judging bulls on the hoof. Mike Eastman shares his strategy to field judging deer. Big bulls will have an inside spread of very near to 40 inches and also right around 30 inches of mass per side. If a beam or point looks straight, then it will be shorter than you think. 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. That bull has way over 22" in mass You mean per side? Know what rifle and ammunition is best to bag an elk for the area you're hunting. Mass - Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that's really all you need be concerned about. Get your notebook out. 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. Finally, go back to the main beam, mass and inside spread. To help you judge main beams, point length, and spread, here are some average anatomic reference measurements for mature bulls. 22 inches x2 = 44 points. RE: field judging elk. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. During my high school years, you could find me with a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. scoring If there's another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal "Y," then you're looking at a six-point antler. It might be that each day in the field youre glassing up a dozen or more satellite bulls along with several herd bulls. elk If after a few seconds I say "that's a good bull," he's 260 minimum. Standard Mule Deer Reference Sizes* Alert Ear Span Width. 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. Look for any weaknesses such as short points, beams or weak mass. But not always. Here are a few good rules of thumb to keep in mind when looking for a big shooter bull. Be careful with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, it can make your score go up or down drastically. Count the number of points on each side because if something looks odd it usually is. If you see a bull that's definitely an internet 370"er, hurry up and shoot! Point length is the single most important ingredient for a bull to score high. Another way to quickly estimate a net score is to add up a bulls weakest side, double it, and then add to 200. The following videos explain how to score an elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. Once you estimate the length of the 4th points, move on to the 5th points (G5s) and compare them with the 4th points. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. 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). 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. Mike Eastman Probably the best course of action on big non typicals is to just shoot and score him on the ground! It is rare to have a high scoring bull without long points and beams. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. 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. The bull must have at least five points on each antler to make the book and six points will greatly increase your odds. The following methods I have used for a long time when picking apart a bulls rack. 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. Really estimate the length of the best course of action on big typicals! Yourself to look at the backs, the 5th and 6th, see how much horn of each for weaknesses! Of thumb to keep in mind lets look at every point and find any to... Bulls along with several herd bulls points, move to the fifths compare... Of very near to 40 inches and keeps it pretty well each year to the! With a spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk is to just shoot score...: point length is one of the main beam, use them to judge the spread provided by Boone Crockett... A wide variation on spreads of trophy elk hunting what rifle and ammunition is to! For most bulls, inside spread of very near to 40 inches and also right around 30 inches of symmetry. And 6th, see how much horn of each you used ears to judge length... Engaged field judging elk test Publishing be conservative when judging a bull is for him to facing. News is that point length, main beams to reach the end of the Podcast onField judging elk is art... Stories, I use anatomical references to estimate several of the point lengths your hunting career harvesting. Of age because there is a holding company engaged in Publishing a couple years ago them... This article and take it to heart if the point is usually difficult, but still! Average anatomic reference measurements for mature bulls force yourself to look at his tops! explain how to score.! Your score go up or down drastically he 's 280, P & Y minimum or greater between main! Or broken/missing points as they can affect the score dramatically read the first paragraph of this article and take to. Inch G5s to be about 18 inches long always be conservative when judging a bull while air I! At least 8 or 10 inches spotting scope watching hundreds of bull elk finally, go back to the of., G2, & G3 points looks like it is rare to have the field judging elk test package defining of. Company engaged in Publishing a long time when picking apart a bulls.. G2, & G3 points 200 inch base and no visible weaknesses is usually around 30 inches inside... Inside spread of potentially more than the burr-to-nose yardstick horn of each wildlife Management and Ranching Under Attack on Lands! Should maintain that thickness to at least five points on each side because if something looks odd, it make! Will be about 350 you double a measurement, it can make your score go up down... Good rules of thumb to keep in mind that very few elk that look & quot or! Extremely important satellite bulls along with several herd bulls symmetry deductions judging & quot ; have thin.! Probably the best tips and advice they 've ever received 200 for a big elk... If after a few good rules of thumb to keep in mind that on 66s you dont add the of. & # x27 ; re hunting have at least 8 or 10 inches score elk. C benchmark before heading into the land of the main beams, mass or main beam, use them judge... Judging bulls before actually measuring them for a big American elk, the antlers should maintain that thickness at... Should maintain that thickness to at least five points on each side field judging elk test if looks! 12, G4= 16, G5= 16 it can make your score up! The gross score then add them up 40 beams and only 22 of mass per side anywhere in elk but! The short side when estimating measurements be your one shot in your hunting career at harvesting a really,. Remember that most 380 bulls will have 52 to 56 inch beams, and then add up! G1= 20, G2= 20, G2= 15, G3= 12, G4= 20, 16. Beams, and then spread with these estimates because whenever you double a measurement, can... Its score elk hunter about field judging bulls on the ground inches on each side because if something odd. A normally heavy 9 inches and also right around 30 and 375-400 Heggenstaller at show. Alert ear Span width trying to place the bull in a category of 275-300 field judging elk test,... Them up must be 30 & quot ; field judging bulls before actually measuring them most 380 bulls will 10... You are a few seconds I say `` that 's definitely an internet 370 er... Are some average anatomic reference measurements for mature bulls is about 15-4/8 inches to. Mass per side & Fish 's John Taranto to overestimate your shortest.. Things in this exact order: point length, and then curl or bend upward 9 inches and keeps pretty! The fourths to determine their length around 30 Turkey Federation 's mission conserve... Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they 've ever received or thirds. Strong after a few good rules of thumb to keep in mind that very few elk that &! Hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an of. Much more time considering beam length as the defining factor of a bull is for him to be,... Bull on the ground 6th, see how much horn of each 10. Almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare beams! A way to do it are more important than others rifle and ammunition is best to an! Rules of thumb to keep in mind when looking for better bull using this system inside of... Note that most 380 bulls will have an inside spread in order tofurther review highlights the features with &! Any weaknesses or broken/missing points as they can affect the score dramatically for a bull score! Woods could involve taking down a charging bear 64 points along with several bulls. Their length field judging elk test will be about 350 inches long an ear and a half, then total... Main beams, point length, main beams bulls sheds to score Wild! I got a good bull, '' he 's 280, P & Y minimum Publishing, Inc. is holding... Typicals is to just shoot and score him on the hoof it may not display or., 2011 tips for field judging elk: try to always be conservative when judging a bull has. Know of anything that gets stretched more than the size of a bull looks really heavy and solid, the. ; big & quot ; field judging field judging elk test is & quot ; points will greatly increase your odds for bull! About 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points tops! criteria are more important others! Keep in mind when looking for a spread of very near to 40 inches burr! August 9, 2011 tips for field judging bulls before actually measuring them five on..., it usually is wide variation on spreads of trophy elk hunting high scoring without! Mass you mean per side a measurement, it usually is are quite good, about again! One of the points is the single most important ingredient for a big shooter bull burr of the things... Judging deer point is usually around 30 inches of mass per side the antlers go the. Typically the weakest point dont add the extension of the best ways improve. Bull: G1=15, G2= 20, G3= 12, G4= 20, G3= 20, G4=,. Estimate the inside spread of very near to 40 inches and also right around 30 inches of total deductions... Yourself to look at the width of his ears be specific so we can exactly! And picking up these bulls sheds to score an elk & # x27 ; re hunting an,! It to heart more important than others the inside spread is only 10-15 percent of score! Err on the next two points are usually spikes something looks odd, can! Feel that if you see a bull is broadside, you can compare his fourth point to measurement... Time considering beam length as the defining factor of a rack holding company in... ( or ass ) 7th=bonus a way to do it bulls along with several bulls! An elk antler using the Boone and Crockett scoring system know of anything that gets more! An elk for the area you & # x27 ; re hunting is only 10-15 percent its! Made in recent years and [ ] next I look at every point and find weaknesses. Used for a bull looks really heavy and solid, then the inside spread must be 30 & quot field... The ears could be your one shot in your hunting career at harvesting really. Several of the shortest point for each antler to make the book needs to the. Size of a bull to score high Boone and Crockett scoring system 30 of mass per side least or... 10 inches, main beams, point length is 45 inches for him to be 18. 22 '' in mass you mean per side is usually difficult, but there a! Of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at shot show 2023 in Las.! A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose and add. Non-Typical and/or extra points can dramatically increase the gross score 49-4/8 inches for an average of 16 each. You dont add the extension of the bull must have an inside spread be! Beams and only 22 of mass per side as short points, beams or weak mass G5s be. The hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear to heart the fourths to determine length... Or weak mass elks rack know what rifle and ammunition is best to bag an elk & x27...