The designation of a buck as “non-typical” is a classification rooted in the standardized systems used for recording trophy antlers, primarily by organizations like the Boone and Crockett Club and the Pope and Young Club. This distinction separates racks that exhibit traditional, balanced growth from those that display unique, irregular structures. The system provides a uniform method for comparing the size and configuration of antlers across different regions and species. By establishing separate categories, these record-keeping bodies acknowledge both the ideal of symmetrical growth and the size achieved by bucks with unusual antler formations. The process of measurement centers on rules that define what constitutes a standard, or typical, antler.
The Baseline: Defining a Typical Antler
A buck’s antlers are measured against a standard that prizes symmetry and predictable structure, defining the “typical” category. The ideal typical rack exhibits a near-perfect mirror image between the left and right sides, with corresponding points matching closely in length and location. Standard nomenclature identifies these points: brow tines are designated as G1, and subsequent tines along the main beam are numbered sequentially (G2, G3, and so on).
For a rack to be considered typical, every point must originate from the top of the main beam. This structure rewards growth that follows the expected pattern for the species. The main beam is measured along its outer curve from the burr to its tip, and its circumference is measured at four designated locations on each side.
Symmetry is paramount in typical scoring, assessing how closely the left side matches the right. Any measurable difference in length between corresponding points or circumference measurements is recorded as a deduction from the gross score. Furthermore, any extra points or irregularities that do not conform to the standard pattern are considered “abnormal” and are also deducted from the final typical score. This deduction rule pushes bucks with significant deviations into the non-typical category.
Structural Characteristics of Non-Typical Bucks
A buck is classified as non-typical when its antler configuration features measurable projections that deviate from the expected structure of a typical rack. These deviations are referred to as abnormal points because they do not grow in the standard, upward pattern off the top of the main beam. The presence of these formations creates the asymmetry that defines the non-typical classification.
One common example is the drop tine, a point that grows in a downward direction, often curving toward the deer’s jaw or neck. Another characteristic is the presence of sticker points or kickers. These are small, irregular projections that originate from the side or bottom of the main beam, or sometimes off a normal point, violating the expected plane of growth.
Non-typical status can also result from a significant lack of pairing or symmetry in the main frame points themselves. For instance, a buck with five normal points on one side and only three on the other, or a massive cluster of tines on one beam with a clean beam on the opposite side, exhibits non-typical characteristics. A minimum length of abnormal antler is often required before a buck is eligible for this category, reserving the classification for truly unique specimens.
The Role of Abnormal Points in Scoring
The scoring methodology for non-typical bucks incorporates irregular antler growth into the final measurement, rather than penalizing it. This system is designed to celebrate the overall mass and unique character of the rack. To begin, the antler is first measured as a typical rack, establishing a “main frame score” based on the typical points, beam lengths, and circumference measurements.
Any differences between the left and right sides of this typical frame are still deducted, similar to a typical score calculation. However, the measurable abnormal points—such as drop tines, sticker points, and other irregular projections—are then measured individually. The total length of these abnormal points is not deducted; instead, this collective measurement is added to the total score of the antler.
This process results in the final non-typical score, which reflects the size of the symmetrical frame plus the entirety of the irregular growth. The “gross non-typical score” represents the total inches of antler material grown, including all main frame measurements and all abnormal point lengths, before any symmetry deductions are applied.