Measuring the circumference of a whitetail deer rack (antlers) is an important part of scoring a deer, particularly for hunters and those interested in trophy deer recognition. The circumference measurements are used in scoring systems like the Boone and Crockett Club or the Pope and Young Club, which are widely used to assess the size of a deer’s antlers. These measurements help determine the overall antler size and are crucial for determining the quality of a deer.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to measuring the circumference of a whitetail deer rack:

Materials You’ll Need:

• A flexible measuring tape (or a non-stretchable string or cord if you don’t have a tape measure)
• A calculator (for scoring systems)
• A notepad and pen (to record measurements)
• A ruler or caliper (for measuring smaller increments)

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring the Circumference of a Whitetail Deer Rack

Step 1: Understand the Key Measurement Points

The circumference of the antlers is measured at four specific points. These points are generally at the base of the antlers and at intervals along the main beam. Here's a breakdown:

1. Base Circumference:
   • The first measurement is the circumference of the antler at its base, right where it attaches to the skull. This is usually the thickest part of the antlers.
2. First Circumference (Measured 1/3 of the Way Up):
   • Measure the circumference of the antler approximately one-third of the way up the main beam from the base. This will give a sense of the antler's girth before it starts to branch or taper.
3. Second Circumference (Measured 2/3 of the Way Up):
   • Measure again around two-thirds of the way up the main beam. This is another important point that shows the antler’s girth as it narrows towards the tip.
4. Third Circumference (The Final Circumference):
   • If the antlers are long enough, measure the circumference of the antler at the point furthest from the base. This is typically where the antlers start to curve toward the tip.

Step 2: Measuring the Circumference at the Base

1. Position the Deer:
   • If the deer is already mounted, you may need to adjust its position to make sure the antlers are in a neutral position for accurate measurements.
   • If the deer is fresh or not mounted, position the rack so it is securely held in place.
2. Place the Tape Measure at the Base:
   • Place the measuring tape around the base of the antler. Ensure it’s snug, but not too tight—just enough to fit comfortably around the thickest part of the base.
3. Record the Measurement:
   • Take the measurement where the tape meets, ensuring that you’re measuring in a straight line without any slack. Record this circumference measurement to the nearest eighth of an inch or centimeter.

Step 3: Measuring the Circumferences Along the Beam

1. One-Third of the Way Up the Beam:
   • Measure the circumference around the main beam approximately one-third of the way up from the base. This can be tricky if there are multiple tines, but you’re aiming to measure the main beam’s girth.
   • Keep the tape measure or string snug against the beam, and ensure it's placed at the correct point, perpendicular to the beam.
2. Two-Thirds of the Way Up the Beam:
   • Next, measure the circumference approximately two-thirds of the way up from the base of the antler. This might be just above the first set of tines or between forks, depending on the antler structure.
3. Repeat for the Other Side:
   • Repeat these steps for the other side of the rack. Take measurements at the same points for symmetry and consistency.

Step 4: Record and Calculate

1. Add Each Measurement:
   • You should now have four circumference measurements: one at the base and three along the main beam. Record all four measurements.
2. Double-Check for Accuracy:
   • Double-check your measurements to ensure they’re correct. Measure each point twice to confirm accuracy.
3. Final Calculation for Scoring:
   • The measurements you take will be used to calculate the total score of the deer’s rack. These circumference measurements are added up as part of the scoring formula used by organizations like Boone and Crockett. Keep in mind that the circumference measurements contribute to the final score, but they are just one of the elements, alongside other factors like antler length and tine measurements.

Step 5: Additional Considerations

1. Deer with Abnormal Antlers:
   • If the antlers have unusual points, such as broken or mismatched tines, or if the antlers have non-typical features, the method of scoring might be slightly different. In these cases, specific guidelines from the Boone and Crockett or Pope and Young scoring systems should be followed.
2. Measurements for Non-typical Antlers:
   • Non-typical antlers, where the rack has extra points or unusual growth patterns, are scored differently. In this case, each point’s length is considered, and the total score will be affected by the number of abnormal points.
3. Using a Scoring System:
   • If you're scoring the antlers according to a specific system like Boone and Crockett, make sure to follow the detailed guidelines provided by the system for calculating the total score, which involves adding the circumference measurements and other measurements of the antlers.

Conclusion

Measuring the circumference of a whitetail deer rack is an essential part of determining the size and score of the antlers. By accurately measuring at the base and along the main beam, you can contribute to an overall score that helps determine the trophy quality of the deer. Keep in mind that taking precise measurements at consistent points is key to achieving an accurate score. Whether you’re a hunter or a trophy hunter enthusiast, these measurements provide valuable information for understanding the size and growth of whitetail deer antlers.