Scoring a deer is a way to measure the size and antler development of a buck. It provides a standardized way to assess the trophy quality of a deer, especially for hunters who are interested in record books or competitions. The most common scoring systems for deer antlers are the Boone and Crockett (B&C) and Pope and Young systems for typical and non-typical bucks.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to score a deer using the Boone and Crockett system, which is widely used for measuring white-tailed and mule deer in North America.

Materials Needed:

• Flexible tape measure (inches or millimeters)
• Straightedge or ruler
• Antler scoring sheet (optional, but helpful)
• Calculator (for adding measurements)
• Pen or pencil

Step 1: Understand the Two Main Scoring Categories

There are two basic categories in the Boone and Crockett scoring system:

• Typical Deer: Antlers are symmetrical with similar points on both sides of the rack. A typical score measures the symmetrical antler growth.
• Non-Typical Deer: Antlers have irregularities, such as extra points, that do not follow a symmetrical pattern. A non-typical score is based on the total measurements of all points, both main and non-main, and other irregularities.

Step 2: Prepare the Antlers for Scoring

Before you begin measuring, the deer’s antlers should be in a relaxed and natural position. Make sure the antlers are clean and free of dirt. If they are very fresh, they may still be in velvet, which can distort the measurements, so it's best to score antlers once they have fully dried and hardened.

Step 3: Measure the Antlers' Main Beam Length

The main beam is the longest part of the antler, which runs from the base (near the skull) to the tip of the antler.

1. Find the "Burr": The burr is the base of the antler where it attaches to the skull. Measure from the burr to the tip of the main beam along the outer curve of the antler.
2. Take Measurements for Both Sides: Measure the main beam on both the left and right sides of the deer’s rack.

Note: Be sure to measure along the outer curve, not in a straight line, to get the correct length.

Step 4: Measure the Points

Points are typically considered any section of antler that is at least one inch long and protrudes outward from the main beam.

1. Measure the Length of Each Point: Start from the base of the point and measure to the tip of the antler. Make sure you measure the length of each tine (point) in the most direct line, not along the curve.
2. Count the Points: For a typical buck, points are only counted on the main beams (not the irregular points). For a non-typical buck, all points are counted, including any abnormal ones.
3. Take Measurements for Both Sides: Record the lengths of each point on both sides.

Step 5: Measure the Circumference of the Antlers

Circumference measurements are taken at several points along the antler to help determine the thickness.

1. Base Circumference: Measure the circumference of the antler at the base, just above the burr, where the antler attaches to the skull.
2. Next Circumference: Measure the circumference 1/3 of the way up the main beam.
3. Middle Circumference: Measure the circumference halfway up the main beam.
4. Tip Circumference: Measure the circumference 2/3 of the way up the main beam.

Repeat these steps for both the left and right sides of the rack.

Step 6: Calculate the Total Score for a Typical Deer

For a typical buck, the scoring formula follows these steps:

1. Main Beam Lengths: Add the total lengths of the main beams from both sides.
2. Point Lengths: Add up the lengths of all the points on both antlers. Only count points that are at least 1 inch long.
3. Circumferences: Add the four circumference measurements for both antlers (two per side). These are typically measured at the base, the second point, the middle, and the fourth circumference.
4. Subtract for Symmetry: In the case of a typical buck, the score includes deductions for asymmetry, so any differences in point lengths and beam lengths are subtracted from the total score.

Step 7: Calculate the Total Score for a Non-Typical Deer

For a non-typical buck, the scoring system is slightly different because it includes irregular antler growth.

1. Main Beam Lengths: Add the main beam lengths from both sides.
2. Point Lengths: Add up the lengths of all the points, including any abnormal ones.
3. Circumferences: Add the circumference measurements as with a typical buck.
4. Total Points: Add the total point lengths from both sides (including any irregular or non-typical points).
5. Deduct for Irregularities: In non-typical scoring, the abnormal points are added to the score, but any asymmetry (e.g., points on one side that are much longer than the other) will result in deductions.

Step 8: Add the Final Score

Once all the measurements have been taken, add them together to get the gross score of the deer’s antlers. For typical bucks, you’ll subtract any deductions for asymmetry to get the net score.

• Typical Buck Score = Main beam lengths + Point lengths + Circumference measurements – Asymmetry deductions
• Non-Typical Buck Score = Main beam lengths + Point lengths + Circumference measurements + Abnormal points

Step 9: Record the Score

After calculating the score, record it on a scoring sheet. This is useful for documenting the size of your deer and for entering it into official record books like Boone and Crockett or Pope and Young, if the deer qualifies.

Tips for Scoring a Deer:

• Be Accurate: Accuracy is key to getting a correct score. Use a flexible tape measure and take your time.
• Follow the Rules: For formal entries into record books, make sure you follow the official guidelines of the Boone and Crockett Club or Pope and Young, as they may have specific rules for measuring certain features (like broken tines or abnormal growth).
• Use a Scoring Sheet: Official Boone and Crockett and Pope and Young scoring sheets are available online, and they can help ensure you don’t miss any key measurements.

Conclusion

Scoring a deer is a great way to appreciate the size and quality of the antlers, and it’s a useful tool for hunters interested in documenting their harvest or entering it into record books. By carefully measuring the main beams, points, and circumferences, you can determine whether the deer qualifies for any record books and how it compares to other harvested animals. Remember to take your time, use accurate tools, and always measure from the right spots to get an accurate score!