Hunters that commonly score white-tailed deer antlers are familiar with the measurements necessary to score most sets of antlers. However, there are special circumstances that scorers will encounter that can make life difficult, particularly when scoring non-typical sets of antlers. One point of confusion with many new Boone and Crockett scorers occurs when they encounter common base points. Although these types of points can occur on both typical and non-typical sets of antlers, common base points are not always abnormal.

First, common base points are points that are joined at their bases and share some degree of webbing between them. In the above photo, the drawing on the left (L) illustrates two points that do not have a common base. However, the figure on the right (R) depicts two points that do have a common base. The two points on the right are common base points. The easiest way to distinguish common base points from two points that do not share a common base is to perform an imaginary cross-section at the base of the points where they attach to the main beam.

In the above photo, the cross-section of the base on L looks like an oval, whereas the cross-section of the base on R looks like a peanut or a figure eight. This cross-sectioning process is critical in making the call and establishes that two distinct points do exist. The two points on R are common base points that both extend to the main beam, but they do share some degree of webbing.  The two points on L consists of one normal point and one abnormal point.  

Now that we established that the points on R are common base points, how do we measure them? Well, it depends on whether the points are matched or unmatched and whether they are normal or abnormal points. This sounds confusing, but lets work through it. Let’s say the points of R are located on the right antler and are the G2 and G3. If the G2 and G3 are also common base points on the left antler, then the points are considered matched because they are in the same place on each side of the antlers. In this case, all points are considered normal, but the points should be measured from the tips to the dashed line as illustrated in the figure on the left below. Measurements are taken this way on matched common base points because an inflated circumference measurement (H3 in this example) will be recorded between the G2s and G3s on both sides.

On the other hand, if common base points are found only on one side (either the left or right side of the antlers; unmatched), then one of the points is likely normal and the other is abnormal because the point spacing is interrupted. Regardless of whether or not one of the points is matched or unmatched, the points should be measured and scored from the tip of the points to an imaginary line along the top of the main beam (as illustrated in the above photo on the right side). 

 

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).

Odd, freakish, and unmatched points do not add any value to the typical antler score as per the definition of a normal point. When scoring a typical set of deer antlers, the length of abnormal points is measured, but subtracted from the gross score of a buck. The rules state you can not add abnormal points to the score of a typical frame. If the antlers are nearly typical, abnormal points hurt the net score. So there is no maximum on the amount of inches that can be deducted because the mathematics of the issue becomes self limiting. The more abnormal points, the lower the net score becomes under the typical classification and the more the scorer leans towards scoring the antlers non-typical. 

On the flip side, if a set of antlers is scored non-typical, then the total length of abnormal points is added into the gross score for the rack. The more abnormal points a set of antlers has, the more sense it makes to score them as non-typical. The fewer abnormal points a set of antlers has, the more sense it makes to score them as typical.

Again, the important thing to keep in mind: Both typical and non-typical sets of antlers are scored based on the main frame. The only difference is that abnormal points deduct from a typical rack’s final score, but they are additive for non-typical. If the white-tailed buck has a lot of abnormal points, why score it as typical and then subtract away abnormal points?

Case in Point 

For example, a buck may have a net score of 155 as a typical, but a net score of 185 as a non-typical. That’s 30-inches difference in antler material! That’s because I assumed it had 30-inches of abnormal points – which is deducted from the gross score when scored “typical,” but not deducted from the gross score when scored ”non-typical.” Most hunters use a buck’s gross score in conversation because it gives the deer credit for all antler growth.

If, on the flip side, you only had 7-inches of non-typical antler on your buck (a single drop tine, a split tine, or an extra point), typical makes much more sense. The more abnormal points a buck has, the better the likelihood it should be scored non-typical. Of course, I’ve seen some white-tailed bucks that get stuck in the middle — not enough abnormal points to score high as a non-typical, but too much to score well as a typical.

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.

Before we get into establishing baselines, remember that each point must be classified as either normal or abnormal. All normal points project from the top, not the sides or bottom, of the main beam and normal points may not branch from other points. The final point count for each antler includes all measurable points, normal and abnormal, plus remember the main beam tips.

Look at both sides of the rack and match up points by their location. Points that originate from the sides or bottoms of the main beams are obviously abnormal. If there are extra points along the tops of the main beams, such as between “normally” spaced points (compare to the other antler), this will create obvious mis-matches from the left side to the right side and these may be considered abnormal points (antlers with numerous abnormal points will most likely be scored as non-typical bucks).

With all of that said, let’s establish baselines. Hold the cable on top of the main beam about an inch from the point in question and run it around the point to the top of the main beam on the other side of the point. Holding the cable in place, you can see where the antler material from the main beam intersects material from the antler point. Using a pencil, draw a line below the cable.

You have now established the baseline for this point, but you must repeat this process in order to establish the baselines for every other point. With baselines established, use the flexible steel cable and measure from the tips of the points to their respetive baselines.

Establishing the correct baseline is very important because you do not want to under-estimate point length, but you also don’t want to over-estimate. In addition, for small points, a proper baseline is important because it will allow you to determine whether or not the point meets the definition of a point. Also, keep in mind that you may have to repeat this process for abnormal points that occur on normal points. In this instance, repeat the baseline process but the point will serve as the “main beam” and the abnormal point will serve as the “point.”

On white-tailed deer antlers, all normal points project from the top, not the sides or bottom, of the main beam and they may not branch from other points. The final point count for each antler includes all measurable points, normal and abnormal, plus the main beam tip. Look at both sides of the rack and match up points by their location. If extra points along the beam tops create obvious mis-matches from side to side, these may be abnormal.

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.

And yes, you need to get a flexible steel cable as it is the most accurate for taking both the beam and point (tine) measurements, and we know you want every 1/8″ you can get! Also, you will need an “alligator” clip or other device to securely mark the cable. If you buy a scoring set, all of the necessary equipment should be included, but many of you can probably gather up most of the equipment needed right out of your work bench.

Lastly, you will need a score sheet (below) to ensure that you take and record all of the necessary measurements, and remember to take each . If it looks like your trophy will make “book,” then it’s time to find and Official Boone & Crockett Scorer! However, keep in mind that no offical measurements can be taken until a mandatory 60 day drying period has elapsed.

Boone & Crockett Score Sheet:

– Please note that the Boone and Crockett Club score charts are protected by copyright laws. The score charts reproduced in this section are for personal use only and not acceptable for entry in the Club’s Awards Program. Official score charts can be obtained from official measurers or the Club’s headquarters at a nominal price.

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.

Now at this point, I’m going to tell you exactly how to take the main beam measurments as well as mass (circumference) measurements. First, make sure you have the proper scoring equipment, then take the the right beam length by measuring from the bottom of the burr to the very tip of the beam (see diagram below). Repeat this process on the left beam. Record these measurements to the nearest eighth and beam measurements are completed.

Now, let’s discuss taking mass measurements. There are always 4 mass measurments taken on each the left and the right antlers. The H1 measurement is the smallest circumference between the burr and the G1. Check the circumference at several locations between the burr and base of the G1 and record the smallest circumference.

The H2 measurement is the smallest circumference between the G1 and G2. The H3 measurement is the smallest circumference between the G2 and G3. The H4 measurement is the smallest circumference between the G3 and G4. If the antlers you are scoring are from a typical 10-point (or more) rack, the measurements are simple to take.

However, if you are scoring an 8-point rack, there is no G4! In this case, the H4 measurement must be taken from half-way between the G3 and the tip of the main. Simply measure the main beam from the center of the G3 to the tip of the beam, divide by 2, and mark the beam this distance from the end. Take your H4 circumference and your mass measurements for that side are completed.

Keep in mind that on a 9-point rack with 4 normal points on one side and 5 normal points on the other, the H4 on one side will be taken between the G3 and G4, but the H4 on the other side will be taken between the G3 and the tip of the beam. With an unmatched (unpaired) point, a sizeable deduction will likely be evident between the right H4 and left H4 (the G4 will be deducted from the net score as well). As I mentioned earlier, symmetry is good and asymmetry is bad when it comes to Boone and Crockett scores and white-tailed deer.