Scoring whitetail deer antlers is the process of measuring and calculating a numerical value that reflects the size and symmetry of a buck’s rack. It’s the standard way hunters compare their harvests and track trophy quality. This guide walks you through the official Boone and Crockett and Pope and Young scoring method, giving you the tools to measure your own antlers accurately at home.
Ingredients
- 1 set of dried, fully cured whitetail deer antlers (attached to the skull plate or individually)
- 1 flexible steel tape measure (1/4-inch wide, 6 feet long)
- 1 carpenter’s ruler or a rigid ruler with 1/8-inch increments
- 1 pencil and paper (for recording measurements)
- 1 calculator (optional, for adding totals)
- 1 set of calipers (optional, for measuring tine length if the tape is difficult to use)
Instructions
- Prepare the antlers: Ensure the antlers are completely dry and free of tissue. If the skull plate is attached, it must be clean. The antlers should be at least 60 days post-harvest to allow for shrinkage.
- Identify the main beams: The main beam is the long, curved base of each antler that extends outward and upward. Measure the length of each main beam from the base (burr) along the outside curve to the tip. Record this as “Main Beam Length” for the left and right antlers.
- Measure the tine lengths: For each antler, measure the length of each point (tine) that is at least 1 inch long. Start the measurement from the top edge of the main beam where the tine branches off, along the outside center of the tine, to its tip. Record each tine length separately (e.g., G1, G2, G3, etc.).
- Measure the circumferences: Use the tape measure to find the circumference (the distance around) of the main beam at four specific points, measured from the base of the burr:
– H1: at the smallest point between the burr and the first tine (G1).
– H2: at the smallest point between the first and second tines (G1 and G2).
– H3: at the smallest point between the second and third tines (G2 and G3).
– H4: at the smallest point between the third and fourth tines (G3 and G4). If there is no fourth tine, measure at the smallest point after the third tine, but before the main beam tip. - Measure the spread: Measure the greatest spread, which is the widest distance between the main beams, measured perpendicular to the skull’s midline. Record this measurement.
- Calculate the score: Add the total of all main beam lengths, tine lengths, and circumferences for both antlers. Then add the greatest spread. This gives you the “gross” score. To get the “net” score, you must deduct the following:
– Abnormal points: Any point that does not grow in the typical pattern (e.g., drop tines, kickers) is measured and its length is subtracted.
– Side-to-side differences: For each pair of measurements (main beam, tines, circumferences), find the difference between the left and right antlers and subtract the total difference from the gross score. - Record your final score: The final number is your net score. The Boone and Crockett Club requires a minimum score of 170 for typical whitetails and 195 for non-typical to be eligible for their record books. Pope and Young (for archery) requires 125 and 145 respectively.
Tips
- Use a flexible tape: A cloth or steel tape that can conform to the curves of the antler is essential. A rigid ruler will give inaccurate measurements on curved surfaces.
- Measure carefully: The difference between a score that makes the record book and one that doesn’t can be just a few fractions of an inch. Take your time and measure each point twice to ensure accuracy.
- Know the rules: The Boone and Crockett scoring system has specific rules about what constitutes a point, how to measure abnormal points, and how to handle broken or malformed antlers. If you’re unsure, consult the official scoring manual or a certified measurer.
- Dry antlers only: Fresh antlers contain moisture and will shrink as they dry. Always wait at least 60 days after harvest before scoring for a final, official number.
Serving Suggestions
The final score is your “trophy” to display. Many hunters mount the antlers on a plaque or European skull mount to show off the measurement. You can also use the score to compare with friends, enter local hunting clubs’ competitions, or simply to appreciate the size of the animal you harvested.
Variations
There are two main variations of scoring whitetail antlers: the typical and non-typical systems. The typical system (described above) subtracts points for asymmetry and abnormal points, giving a “net” score. The non-typical system does not subtract for abnormal points; instead, it adds them to the gross score, which can result in much higher numbers for bucks with unusual antler growth. Both systems are used by Boone and Crockett and Pope and Young, but the typical score is more commonly used for comparing standard racks.
Storage and Reheating
Once scored, antlers should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent cracking. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. If you plan to display them, a dusting with a soft cloth is all that’s needed. There is no “reheating” for antlers, but if you need to re-measure, simply follow the same steps. The measurements are permanent once the antlers are dry, so you can record them and store the data in a hunting journal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I score antlers that are still in velvet?
No, velvet should be removed before scoring. The velvet is soft and will cause inaccurate measurements. Wait until the velvet is shed naturally or remove it carefully before measuring.
Q: What if my antler has a broken tine?
Broken tines are measured from the break point to the tip, and the missing portion is not counted. This will lower your score, but it’s still a legitimate measurement. For record books, the break must be natural (not from a vehicle collision or other human-caused damage).
Q: How do I measure an abnormal point?
An abnormal point is any point that doesn’t grow in the typical pattern, such as a drop tine or a point growing off another point. Measure it from its base to its tip, just like a normal tine, and then subtract that length from the gross score (in the typical system).
Q: Is there a difference between Boone and Crockett and Pope and Young scoring?
The scoring systems are essentially the same, but Pope and Young has a lower minimum score for entry because it only accepts archery harvests. The measurement techniques are identical.
Q: Can I score antlers that are not attached to the skull?
Yes, you can score individual antlers, but you will not be able to measure the greatest spread. You can still measure main beam length, tine lengths, and circumferences, and calculate a score without the spread. However, for an official score, the skull is usually required to measure the spread accurately.
Q: What is the most common mistake when scoring?
The most common mistake is measuring the tine length from the wrong spot. The measurement must start from the top edge of the main beam, not from the base of the tine where it meets the beam. This can add or subtract an inch or more from each tine.
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