Scoring deer antlers can a be a bit confusing, especially since most hunters score only a single set of antlers each year. If one is not well-versed in antler scoring terminology, then it requires the hunter to get reacquainted with the lingo (and what it’s referring to) each year. I’ll admit, it’s not an easy process/concept to wrap your mind around because the words “typical” and “normal” (and “non-typical” and “abnormal”) mean very different things when scoring a buck, but people commonly use them interchangeably in daily conversation when talking about other subjects.  

I would now like to address the following questions I received via email:

“What determines whether a buck is scored typical or non-typical? Is there a maximum amount of deductions allowed for typicals?”

There is no set rule that says a white-tailed buck must be scored typical or non-typical. The choice really is up to the hunter and which classification makes the most sense. As I go through the following discussion, it will become obvious how a particular buck should be scored.

First, when scoring deer antlers, all normal and abnormal points are measured. The scores of both typical and non-typical sets of antlers are based off the symmetry (after deductions) of the main frame. Yes, even non-typical bucks get deductions for not having a symmetrical main 8-point, 10-point, 12-point, etc frame with matched points of the same length.

But — since the measurements of all normal and abnormal points are taken, it’s easy to calculate both the typical and non-typical scores. Abnormal points add into the gross score of a buck scored non-typical and are subtracted from the gross score of a buck scored typical. If a set of antlers has many abnormal points, the set is most accurately classified as non-typical and would be best scored as non-typical (but it is not a requirement). (more…)

Scoring your buck using the Boone & Crockett Method is not difficult, but it does require some time and effort. The biggest mistake most people make when scoring a whitetail’s antlers is inaccurately measuring the lengths of the points. To properly measure a point, you must first know the definition of a scorable point.

To determine how many normal and abnormal points your trophy has, the next step is to establish baselines so that “posssble points” can be identified and all point lengths can be obtained. Determine the baseline at the base of each point along the mainbeam. To do this, dig into your scoring equipment and find your flexible steel cable. (more…)

We’ve talked about all the necessary measurements to properly score a white-tailed buck using the Boone & Crockett Scoring system, so now it’s time to cover all the necessary equipment you will need. You can either purchase of the items individually, buy a scoring set from any of the many outdoor retailers, or get an “official” set from Boone & Crockett.

First, you will need a 1/4 inch steel tape to measure the antlers. This is mandated by the rules, and no other instrument can be used to measure the antlers — except a flexible steel cable can be used to measure the points and main beams. However, you still need the tape to measure the cable length. (more…)

Throughout the previous parts of this series on how to score white-tailed deer using the Boone & Crockett method we have gone over scoring terminolgy and have examined all the factors that impact gross and net scores, in addition to classifyiing typical and nontypical white-tailed deer antlers. By this point, you know that the widest inside spread between beams, beam lengths, circumferences, and point (tine) lengths all add together to give a gross B&C score. We also discussed how deductions are calculated and how this impacts net score. (more…)

We have talked about normal and abnormal points, but today we are discussing typical and nontypical white-tailed deer antlers. Every set of antlers is classifed as typical or nontypical and can be scored as either a typical or non-typical rack. This may sound confusing, but there are advantages to scoring certain sets of antlers one way or the other.

For the purposed of Boone & Crockett Club, typical antlers are those that look like “normal” buck antlers, such as a 10-point buck that has 5-points per side with matched G1s, G2s, G3s, and G4s. Typical means the antlers have antler points in the typical locations where points are found and the conformation on the buck’s rack are typical in nature. (more…)

The majority of hunters know that the Boone & Crockett Club measuring system is the most common way to score white-tailed deer antlers, but many don’t know how to properly score a harvested buck. With that said, in order to score your buck you need to understand how to take the measurements, and that calls for the clarification of some B&C terminology. (more…)

The single most well known method for scoring white-tailed deer is the Boone and Crockett Scoring method. The Boone and Crockett score, or B&C as it has come to be abbreviated, is so common that when someone ask, “what’s he score,” it’s already assumed the score is based of the Boone and Crockett system. The system is not only used to rank harvested deer, but by managers to monitor the progress of their deer management programs.

Although there are other methods to score deer antlers, the Boone and Crockett system does a very good job at measuring key antler parameters. The factors that contribute to a buck’s score are mass (circumference), beam length, tine length, and inside spread. Thus, heavier antlers have higher mass measurements than thin-horned racks, longer beams are better, more and longer tines add inches, and bucks with larger inside spreads get added inches and higher scores. (more…)

As a professional and hunter intersted in quality white-tailed deer management, there are a few questions people always seem to ask me: “What do you think he’ll score?” This is usally followed by their second question, “How old is he?”

Although these are both good questions, they usually are not asked in the proper order. The very first question you should ask before pulling the trigger is “how old?” For any hunter that is interested in harvesting a mature whitetail buck, the best way to improve the odds is to pass on harvesting good young and middle-aged deer. If you aren’t willing to let them live another year, how then do you expect to shoot a larger buck? Luck?

Estimating the age of deer can be hard. This can be especially difficult if the buck is a hundred or more yards away, the deer is obscured, moving, and the hunter is trying to make up his mind as to whether or not to squeeze the trigger. (more…)