How to Score Mule Deer Antlers
Dry the antlers thoroughly before you try to score them., Make sure the antlers are dry and the skull plate is intact if you want to request an official measuring by a Boone and Crockett representative., Go to the Boone and Crockett website., Opt to...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Dry the antlers thoroughly before you try to score them.
It usually takes about 60 days to dry the antlers. -
Step 2: Make sure the antlers are dry and the skull plate is intact if you want to request an official measuring by a Boone and Crockett representative.
This is only necessary if you are trying to make it into the Boone and Crockett official records. , Hover over the tab entitled “Big Game Records.” Scroll and select “Scoring Your Trophy.” ,,, You can use a ¼-inch steel measuring tape for the straight measurements.
Then, you should place a yardstick down and use a flexible steel cable to wrap around the circumference of the antlers.
You will lay the flexible steel cable out across the yardstick to find the exact circumferences.
Measurements should be taken to the eighth of an inch. , The points must be one inch (2.5cm) or more from the tip of the point to the edge of the beam.
Enter the number of points on the left antler and the number of points on the right antler. , These are any points originating from the bottom or sides of the beams, outside of the normal five points per antler. , There should be spaces from one to four.
Any additional points can be tallied in the abnormal points section.
The tips of the main beams are not considered points in the same sense. , There should be five spaces on each side for abnormal point lengths.
If there are more, you can add them together with the point lengths in the final space. , These often loop inward off of the front of the beams.
This is called the tip-to-tip spread and it is the inner space between the tips of the main beams. , Measure the space between the outermost points of the antlers on each side.
It can be measured across the main beams or points, depending upon which is wider. , This is the inside area between the beams, not the tips, from left to right. ,, Wrap it around the thickest point and mark it with your thumb until you can measure it against the yardstick.
Repeat on the left antler. , Write it down and repeat on the left side. , Measure it and mark it.
Repeat on the left side. , Measure, mark and repeat on the left side., You may need to make your antlers available for official scoring to be accepted into a hunting organization’s record books. -
Step 3: Go to the Boone and Crockett website.
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Step 4: Opt to print out a PDF of the scoring sheet or click directly on the link that reads
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Step 5: “Typical Mule Deer & Blacktail.”
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Step 6: Request a score sheet from the Fish
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Step 7: Wildlife and Parks if you have a mule deer tag in your area.
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Step 8: Arrange two ways of measuring.
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Step 9: Count the number of points on each antler.
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Step 10: Identify the number of abnormal points.
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Step 11: Measure the length
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Step 12: from beam to tip
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Step 13: of the normal points
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Step 14: one at a time.
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Step 15: Measure the length of the abnormal points.
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Step 16: Identify the tips of the main beams.
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Step 17: Move to the greatest spread.
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Step 18: Measure the inside spread of the main beams.
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Step 19: Use your flexible steel cable and yardstick for this section.
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Step 20: Wrap your steel cable around the right antler between the burr of the antler
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Step 21: where it starts and the first point.
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Step 22: Wrap the cable around the circumference of the antler between the first and second points
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Step 23: at the widest point.
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Step 24: Wrap the cable around the angler between the main (front) beam and the third point.
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Step 25: Wrap the cable around the antler between the second and fourth points.
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Step 26: Give information on your name
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Step 27: personal information and the location the deer was found to submit it for official scoring.
Detailed Guide
It usually takes about 60 days to dry the antlers.
This is only necessary if you are trying to make it into the Boone and Crockett official records. , Hover over the tab entitled “Big Game Records.” Scroll and select “Scoring Your Trophy.” ,,, You can use a ¼-inch steel measuring tape for the straight measurements.
Then, you should place a yardstick down and use a flexible steel cable to wrap around the circumference of the antlers.
You will lay the flexible steel cable out across the yardstick to find the exact circumferences.
Measurements should be taken to the eighth of an inch. , The points must be one inch (2.5cm) or more from the tip of the point to the edge of the beam.
Enter the number of points on the left antler and the number of points on the right antler. , These are any points originating from the bottom or sides of the beams, outside of the normal five points per antler. , There should be spaces from one to four.
Any additional points can be tallied in the abnormal points section.
The tips of the main beams are not considered points in the same sense. , There should be five spaces on each side for abnormal point lengths.
If there are more, you can add them together with the point lengths in the final space. , These often loop inward off of the front of the beams.
This is called the tip-to-tip spread and it is the inner space between the tips of the main beams. , Measure the space between the outermost points of the antlers on each side.
It can be measured across the main beams or points, depending upon which is wider. , This is the inside area between the beams, not the tips, from left to right. ,, Wrap it around the thickest point and mark it with your thumb until you can measure it against the yardstick.
Repeat on the left antler. , Write it down and repeat on the left side. , Measure it and mark it.
Repeat on the left side. , Measure, mark and repeat on the left side., You may need to make your antlers available for official scoring to be accepted into a hunting organization’s record books.
About the Author
Betty Reynolds
Experienced content creator specializing in crafts guides and tutorials.
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