The evaluation of a deer’s antlers, often called trophy scoring, provides a standardized method for comparing the size and symmetry of the rack. This process converts the physical dimensions of the bone structure into a numerical score, which is important for hunters and for maintaining official record books like those kept by the Boone and Crockett Club. Accurately measuring an antler requires precision in identifying anatomical features and following specific protocols. This guide will walk through the tools, terminology, and steps required to accurately measure a deer antler for scoring.
Understanding the Basic Vocabulary and Tools
Before beginning the measurement process, it is helpful to understand the specific terminology used to identify the different parts of an antler. The Main Beam is the primary, continuous shaft that grows outward from the skull, starting at the Burr, the rough, bony ring at the base. Projections growing upward from the main beam are called Tines, which are sequentially designated as G-measurements (G1, G2, etc.), starting with the brow tine.
The antler’s thickness is captured by the Circumferences, often referred to as H-measurements. These are taken at four specific points along the main beam of each antler. Projections that do not follow the typical growth pattern are classified as Abnormal Points. The overall width of the rack is determined by the Inside Spread, which is the greatest width between the inner edges of the main beams.
To perform these measurements accurately, only a few specialized tools are necessary. A flexible steel tape measure, typically one-quarter inch wide, is used to follow the curves of the beam and tines. Measurements must be recorded on an official score sheet to the nearest one-eighth of an inch. A sliding caliper or a yardstick assists in finding the greatest inside spread and ensuring perpendicular measurements.
The Step-by-Step Measurement Process
The first physical measurement recorded is the Inside Spread, which captures the width of the rack. This measurement is taken at the widest point between the inner surfaces of the two main beams. It must be perpendicular to the skull’s longitudinal axis to ensure an accurate representation of the greatest internal width. This spread measurement contributes directly to the final score and is recorded only once.
Next, the length of each Main Beam is measured, starting at the edge of the burr at the base. The flexible tape must be carefully guided along the outer curve of the beam, following the center of the mass. The measurement continues to the tip of the main beam, ensuring the tape adheres closely to the bone structure. This process is completed for both the left and right main beams and recorded separately.
The length of each typical tine, or G-measurement, is then measured individually. The measurement for a tine begins at its base, where it meets the nearest edge of the main beam. To determine this starting point, establish a line perpendicular to the main beam at the tine’s base. The tape is then run along the outer curve of the tine to its tip, and each tine length is recorded sequentially (G1, G2, G3, etc.).
A consistent protocol is followed for measuring the four Circumferences, or H-measurements, on each beam. The first circumference (H1) is taken at the smallest point between the burr and the first typical tine (G1). Subsequent measurements (H2, H3, H4) are taken at the smallest circumference points between the remaining tines, moving toward the tip.
If an antler has fewer than four typical tines, the rule of quartering the remaining beam length is applied to locate the final circumference points. For example, if an antler only has a G3 tine, the distance between the G3 and the beam tip is divided into two equal segments. The H4 measurement is then taken at the midpoint of the first segment. This ensures four total circumference measurements per side, regardless of the number of tines.
Calculating the Final Score
Once all physical dimensions have been recorded, the measurements are aggregated to determine the final score, starting with the Gross Score. The Gross Score is the sum of all positive measurements taken from the antler, including the Inside Spread, the two Main Beam lengths, all typical Tine lengths, and all eight Circumference measurements.
This initial number represents the total amount of antler material grown, without penalty for asymmetry between the left and right sides. Many hunters cite the Gross Score because it acknowledges every inch of bone the animal produced. However, the Gross Score is considered a subtotal in official record-keeping systems.
The calculation of the Net Score introduces symmetry and deductions. The Net Score is determined by subtracting specific measurements from the Gross Score. The system rewards bilateral symmetry, meaning differences between corresponding measurements on the left and right antlers are subtracted. For example, if the left G2 tine is one inch longer than the right G2 tine, that one-inch difference is deducted.
In the Typical category, the lengths of all Abnormal Points are also deducted, as these points deviate from the classic, symmetrical frame. The resulting Net Score is the final number used for official record book entries, reflecting the quality of the symmetrical frame.
If the antler has significant Abnormal Points, it may be scored in the Non-Typical category. For this category, symmetry deductions are still applied to the typical frame, but the lengths of the Abnormal Points are then added back to the score. This method acknowledges the total mass of the non-typical rack while evaluating the underlying symmetry.