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TAKING
THE MEASUREMENTS
Each
score chart is a separate PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat
Reader to view these files. Click here to download the
free
Acrobat Reader software. Each
score chart includes measuring instructions and a copy of the new
Entry Affidavit.
Download
the scoring sheet for typical whitetails
Download
the scoring sheet for non-typical whitetails
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Official
scorers use a 1/4 inch wide steel tape measure to make all
measurements. While this may be the most consistent way to get
exact reading, you can get by quite nicely using only a cloth tape
measure similar to those used by a seamstress.
Measuring tines: The first step in measuring a tine is to
determine where it begins. You'll need a pencil to mark this
location. On points that come off the main beam you first have to
make a mark across the base of the tine that approximates the top
of the beam. This is generally done by using a straight-edge to
span from the low points along the top of the beam on either side
of the point. This is done on the outside of the rack. Make a mark
on the tine and go to the next one. Measure from here to the tip
of the tine, following the centerline of the tine along the
outside of the rack.
When
measuring abnormal points, which come off other points, you follow
a very similar procedure. First determine where the edge of the
primary point would be if the point were not there. Make a mark
here and measure from this point along the centerline of the
abnormal point out to its end.
Measuring the beams: There is always some question of where to
measure from along the antler base when measuring the beams. The
beam's centerline on the outside of the base is the place to start
and you follow the center-line as best you can all the way out to
the tip.
Measuring circumferences: Regardless of the number of points the
buck has, you get four circumference measurements on each beam.
Circumference is often referred to as mass because it indicates
the bulkiness of the rack. All circumferences are taken at the
smallest point between two tines or at designated locations along
the main beam if the buck has 8 or fewer typical points.
The first circumference is taken at the smallest point between the
base and the brow tine. The second is taken at the smallest point
between the brow tine (called the G1) and first primary typical
point (called the G2). If the beam has only two points (three
total) the next measurement is taken 1/3 of the way from the last
point to the end of the main beam and the fourth is taken 2/3 of
the way out. If the beam only has three points (four points total)
the fourth circumference is taken half way between the last point
and the end of the main beam.
Measuring inside spread: Inside spread is the greatest distance
between the beams when measured parallel to the bases. In other
words, you can't angle the tape in hopes of making the rack wider!
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| GROSS
VERSUS NET |
Some
official scorers and records administrators get a little miffed
when we refer to antlers in terms of their gross scores and not
their net scores. But, for all practical purposes, the gross score
best symbolizes what the buck actually grew. In fact, the
non-typical gross (which counts everything without deductions of
any kind) is probably used most often when hunters refer to a
gross score. It's the highest possible score for any set of
antlers and we naturally like the bigger number best.
Is gross better than net? For giving a rough indication of a
buck's overall frame, it probably is. But, if you try to pass
gross score off as net just to impress your buddies, as some
ego-driven hunters are apt to do, its use does a disservice to the
sport. Remember, rough scores and gross scores are only reference
points, they do not represent the rack's true score. Only net
score can do that.
A buck's score isn't intended to be the yardstick for measuring
the success of a hunt. The thrill of the chase and the enjoyment
of being outdoors should be the most lasting impressions of the
deer and the ones that truly define success. But antler scoring
has an important place in deer hunting. It's nice to able to talk
about a buck in terms that others can visualize. |
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