Hunters and wildlife lovers need to know how to score a mule deer. This helps check the quality of your hunt and maybe put it in record lists. This all-inclusive guide will guide you, from getting ready in the field to official ways to score.
Interesting Facts About Mule Deer Scoring
Ever heard about the hugest mule deer scored at a stunning 355 7/8 inches? The burly buck, hunted by Doug McMurchy in British Columbia back in 1926, grips the world record almost 100 years on. Astoundingly, only a handful of inches in vital measurements can distinguish a top-tier mule deer from a world-record rival.
So, let’s unravel scoring a mule deer and uncover the hidden ways of correctly judging your trophy’s worth.
Understanding the Scoring System
The Boone and Crockett Club, often known as B&C, scores big game trophies. These include mule deer! They gauge both typical and non-typical antlers. What are they looking at? Length, mass, and points of the antlers. Cool, right?
Key Scoring Factors:
- Antler Length: Main beams and tines’ length matter a lot.
- Antler Mass: The score’s influenced by the antlers’ girth or circumference.
- Points: How many points each antler has is taken into account.
- Symmetry: A comparison is made between the two antlers’ symmetry.
Understanding Mule Deer Antlers
Before diving into the scoring part, knowing the basic structure of mule deer antlers is essential.
Key Components of Mule Deer Antlers
- Main Beams
- Tines (points)
- Inside Spread
- Circumferences
Everyone has a significant role in your mule deer’s final score. Let’s learn how to get each one’s measurements right.
Average Antler Measurements for Mature Mule Deer
| Measurement | Average Range (inches) |
|---|---|
| Main Beam Length | 20-28 |
| Spread | 24-36 |
| Circumference (base) | 8-12 |
| Number of Points | 3-5 |
Preparing for the Scoring Process
Essential Tools for Scoring
To score a mule deer properly, you’ll need the following tools:
- Flexible steel tape measure
- Pencil and paper
- Calculator
- Official scoring sheet (available from Boone and Crockett Club)
Having these tools ready will ensure a smooth scoring process.
The 60-Day Drying Period
It’s important to remember, when you’re ready to measure your mule deer antlers, let them dry for about two months. Antlers shrink to their last size in this time. It helps give a correct size. Note down the date and don’t rush to measure too soon!
Step-by-Step Scoring Process
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of scoring a mule deer.
Step 1: Measuring the Main Beams
- Begin where the antler connects to the skull.
- Trace the major beam’s outer curve up to its point.
- Jot down the length, rounding to the closest 1/8 inch.
- Do the same for the opposite antler.
Step 2: Measuring the Tines
- For each tine, take its measurement from where it splits from the main beam up to its end.
- Tines that are shorter than an inch shouldn’t be included.
- Record each measurement as accurately as possible, up to the closest 1/8 inch.
- Follow this process for all the tines on both antlers.
Step 3: Calculating the Inside Spread
- Find the greatest gap between the chief beams.
- Be careful, don’t slant the tape; keep it straight in relation to the skull.
- Note the size up to the closest 1/8 inch.
Step 4: Measuring Circumferences
- Take four circumference measurements on each antler:
- Tiniest gap from burr to point one.
- Smallest place between point one to point two.
- Tiniest gap from point two to point three.
- Smallest place between point three to point four.
2. Record each measurement to the nearest 1/8 inch.
Step 5: Calculating the Final Score
- Sum up the numbers from steps 1 through 4.
- Remove the difference in lengths of the right and left antlers from that sum.
- Voila! You’ve arrived at your final Boone and Crockett score.
Understanding the Boone and Crockett Scoring System
The Boone and Crockett Club holds the records for North American big game. Hunters and wildlife managers all around recognize and apply their scoring system.
Typical vs. Non-Typical Antlers
Mule deer antlers fall into two groups: “typical” and “non-typical”.
- Typical ones are symmetrical, their points grow straight up.
- Non-typical ones might have odd points or be oddly shaped.
To score them, use a different process for each type. So, classify your antlers right before you start
Minimum Scores for Record Books
Entry into the Boone and Crockett record book requires a typical mule deer to tally a minimum of 190 inches. A non-typical deer however, must reach or exceed a substantial 230 inches. Don’t feel dismayed if your deer doesn’t hit these marks. A fine specimen still, any mule deer with a score over 160 inches is indeed deemed to be a prize-worthy catch!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Scoring
All hunters, even the seasoned ones, can goof up when grading a mule deer. Keep these usual slip-ups in your radar:
- Checking the incorrect side of the chief beam.
- Not deducting the variance in antler lengths.
- Counting tines that are less than an inch.
- Pivoting the tape while determining the inside spread.
If you’re mindful of these possible blunders, you’ll be better at ensuring precise grading outcomes.
The Importance of Fair Chase Ethics
Hunting deer can be thrilling, especially the scoring part. But it’s key to remember that fair chase rules matter. The Boone and Crockett Club stresses that only ethically and sportsmanlike hunted animals can be put in for official scoring.
Key Principles of Fair Chase
- Follow all rules and guidelines.
- Respect all creatures and our surroundings.
- Use the right tools and strategies.
- Never seek unjust gains.
Sticking to these rules keeps the scoring system and the entire hunting sport honest.
Preserving Your Trophy
Once you’ve secured your mule deer, it’s important to think about how to keep it as a lasting memory. Consider these possibilities:
- European mount
- Shoulder mount
- Full body mount
- Antler mount
Every choice offers unique advantages and disadvantages. Pick the one you like most and suits you best.
Conclusion: Celebrating Your Achievement
Scoring a mule deer isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about valuing the deer and marking your hunting success. Regardless of whether your deer makes it into the record books, be proud of it. Remember the experience it stands for.
Never forget, a successful hunt isn’t about high scores, but the adventure and tales you’ll recount in time.
Ever bagged a mule deer before? We’re eager to hear about it! Post your anecdotes, advice, or queries below. If this instruction was useful, make sure to spread the word to your hunting buddies. Enjoy your hunt!
