How do you score elk?

[cohunter14]

When doing one of our \'guess the score\' threads, how do you go about scoring elk? I saw an article at one point that basically gave you a base of 200 inches for larger bulls. This is based on roughly 50\" main beams, 30\" of mass per side, and a 40\" inside spread. The idea is that this would equal 200 inches and then you add up the points (G1, G2, etc).

To me, this system seems a bit off for most bulls we would refer to as \'large\'. So I am curious to know if any of you do a \'base\' like this so then you just have to guess on the length of each point. Or do you try to guestimate on everything?

 

[elky McElkerson]

no clue.

i\'ve seen diagrams.but never paid any attention to them. someday i will but not now.

 

[Zpd307]

I go by whatever everyone else says :lol:

 

[cnelk]

Derek
Many times there isnt time to \'score\' an elk when hunting.
Its either just BIG or just a \'bull\'.

When I have time to look at a bull or a pic, good fronts lead to good middle and uppers, and good tine length

The first thing that stands out will be the 4ths. That will quickly tell you if its a 5x5 or 6x6.
If there is a \'Y after the 4ths, its a 6. If not, 5 Point [assuming its symmetrical]

Tine length really adds up fast, so does mass.
Width of antlers add up fast too

The best thing to do is study elk racks that you know the score [Officially Measured] and look at them at from different angles.

So, lets say its a nice 6 point and it has good main beams and symmetrical

Main beams = 46 inches
[each point ave is 12 inches. 5 x 12= 60 inches
decent mass [circumferences] 4 measures average 6 inches = 24 inches
Decent width = 40 inches

This bull averages out at 295 inches.
A very nice bull

 

[cohunter14]

So, lets say its a nice 6 point and it has good main beams and symmetrical

Main beams = 46 inches
[each point ave is 12 inches. 5 x 12= 60 inches
decent mass [circumferences] 4 measures average 6 inches = 24 inches
Decent width = 40 inches

This bull averages out at 295 inches.
A very nice bull

I like those numbers better than the example I saw. The 24 inches of mass and 46 inch main beams end up taking 20 inches off the initial score of 200 inches that I saw. That would mean a \'base\' of 180 inches. I know that these obviously vary from elk to elk, but based on everything I have seen, a base of 180\" would make more sense then a base of 200\".

Other numbers that I have found helpful in scoring an elk:

- The average length from an elk\'s eyes to the tip of his nose is 13\"
- Base of antlers to the tip of the nose is typically 17\"-18\"
- Tip to tip ear spread is about 26\"
- Average length of a main beam to the G4 is roughly 28\"-30\"

 

[WW]

G3\'s will kill an elks score quicker than anything. There are two methods for scoring pictures. They are the WAG method and the SWAG. Personally I use the WAG. Looks like a few of you guys have graduated to the SWAG. (Scientific Wild Arse Guess)

 

[Jaquomo]

I\'ve taped enough of them of all sizes that I\'m pretty good at looking at one and coming close. But there are so many variables in an elk rack, inch or two here and there as we\'ve discussed before. Really, unless you\'re hunting for a contest or something, it\'s not important. He\'s either ok (raghorn), nice, really nice, or a \"Holy Crap\" bull.

When I shot my Unit 2 bull the year before last, I only had less than ten seconds to decide if he was big enough. I had three more weeks to hunt in the premier unit. I really wanted something bigger than 350 (gross) because that\'s a whole different level than the 300-class bulls I\'d killed before. I decided in that moment he was big enough, and turns out he was three inches bigger than the goal I\'d set. But even if he\'d \"scored\" 330, he was big enough.

 

[AndyJ]

He\'s either ok (raghorn), nice, really nice, or a \"Holy Crap\" bull.

That\'s all you need to worry about.

 

[Swede]

I have a book that shows how to score live bulls and then has pictures for comparison. I normally don\'t go to the book, but that was the basis for where I started. Mostly I look at brow tines, sword tines and tops, in that order. I remember reading that a Wyoming big 5x5 will meet minimum P&Y requirements. Now if there was a real prize I would go to my hunting room and get that book out again. I have found it to be very close if you round off to the nearest 10 points.

 

[Eyeeyecaptain]

He\'s either ok (raghorn), nice, really nice, or a \"Holy Crap\" bull.

That is how I typically score, but more and more as I see people\'s posts with scores and have looked into it a bit more I think I am getting a better grasp on it. The latest issue of Bugle had a page about field judging elk that I found useful. Had some info similar to cohunter for reference:

- The average length from an elk\'s eyes to the tip of his nose is 13\"
- Base of antlers to the tip of the nose is typically 17\"-18\"
- Tip to tip ear spread is about 26\"
- Average length of a main beam to the G4 is roughly 28\"-30\"

 

[cohunter14]

He\'s either ok (raghorn), nice, really nice, or a \"Holy Crap\" bull.

That\'s all you need to worry about.

Yes, I am not really trying to judge them in the field other than this method. I am simply asking how people score them on some of our \'guess the score\' threads. I think Bill had it right...either WAG or SWAG!

 

[AndyJ]

Yes, I am not really trying to judge them in the field other than this method. I am simply asking how people score them on some of our \'guess the score\' threads.

Here is a more accurate description. Like others have said you can tell a lot by the thirds. They will make or break a score typically. For monster bulls (bigger than 380 and for which I have zero actual experience with) look at the bases. If it looks like you would have a hard time wrapping two hands around one base, you\'re looking at a huge bull. Beam length is the final really good feature. Lou posted a picture of a beautiful bull he shot two years ago that has a little bit of a \"mini\" huge bull rack. It still scored 300\" so it was a great bull. However, it looks like a 340\" at first glance. If you pay close attention to the beam length it gives scale to the rest of the rack. If a bull looks like he has an honest chance at scratching his butt, you\'re looking at a big bull.