How To Field Score A Whitetail
The scoring method used in Field Score Whitetails is based on the Boone and Crocket Scoring system. For quickly estimating a deer’s gross score in the field, the most effective method we have found is to add up the score on one antler, double it and then add the inside spread.*
- Beam length - For an example of estimating the length of the main beam, an average 130 class buck would have roughly 20 to 21 inches of main beam length. Bucks in the 140 class could be expected to have 22 to 23 inch beams and a 150 class will probably have 24 plus inch beams. Use the profile of the deer to make this estimate. When the beams extend past the tip of the nose, he has a 23"+ main beam.
- Mass measurements - you get four circumference measurements per side. The first is taken between the burr and the brow tine, the second is taken between G1 and G2, the 3rd is taken is taken between G2 and G3, and the 4th Between the G3 and G4.
An 8pt with average mass, I would give 14 inches per side. A 10 pt. 150 class deer I would give 16 inches per side as an average mass measurement etc. Know the average mass for a mature deer in the area you are hunting and use that as a rule of thumb.
- Tine length - Tine length is measured from the main beam to the tip of the tine. Each tine measuring over 1” counts toward the gross score. Multiple long tines will add up quickly on a deer's score.
- Inside spread - inside spread is measured at the widest point between the 2 main beams on the inside edge of each beam. A good tool for measuring this is to know that a deer's ears measure about 16 inches from tip to tip when they are forward or he is "alert".
Antler Score x 2 + inside spread = total gross BC Score
* This method was developed by outdoor writer and whitetail biologist David Morris and is covered in length in his book Hunting Trophy Whitetails available at Venture Press.
