Coues’ (pronounced “cows”) deer and whitetails are subspecies of the same species, the familiar whitetailed deer. The Coues’ deer is a smaller, desert-dwelling version of its larger cousin, the whitetail. Antler formation is similar, with mature Coues’ deer racks being noticeably smaller and usually showing a limited degree of spread. Coues’ deer are found in the deserts of southwestern New Mexico, Arizona, and northwestern Mexico. No part of their current range includes the larger whitetail. Thus, the geographic boundaries described in Chapter 2 provide adequate means of separating the two subspecies.
Whitetails can show an almost infinite variety in number and location of points. The non-typical category was established to properly recognize such trophies and there are typical and non-typical categories for both Coues’ and whitetail trophies.
In the following material, the scoring procedure for whitetails will be described. Of course, the instructions apply equally well to Coues’ deer, with the only difference being minimum entry scores. The typical pattern of mature whitetail antler development is an unbranched main beam that normally develops from three to seven (or more), usually paired, unbranched points off the top of the main beam at spaced intervals (figure 5-A). These are the normal points. Usually, a brow tine develops in this pattern as the first normal point, G-1, and the second normal point, G-2, on each side is usually the longest of the sequence. As in other deer categories, the main beam tip is counted as a point but is not measured as a point as it is part of the main beam measurement. All points that come off of normal points, abnormal points, burrs, bottoms and sides of the main beam are abnormal points. There are other abnormal points that will be discussed in more detail below.
Once you have identified the normal points, you need to decide if the animal should be scored as a typical or non-typical. In most cases it will be quite obvious. If there is any doubt, consider the number of abnormal points. If there are no or few abnormal points, the rack should obviously be scored as a typical. If there are numerous abnormal points, use the non-typical score chart. Regardless, there is no difference in how typical and non-typical whitetail deer are scored; all measurements are the same in both categories. The real difference between the two categories is that the total of the lengths of the abnormal points is deducted to arrive at the typical score and added in to arrive at the non-typical score.
Once you have scored a trophy, you can transfer the measurements from a typical score chart to a non-typical score chart to determine the non-typical score. If you used a non-typical score chart, you can transfer the measurements to a typical score chart to arrive at the typical score for the same trophy. In most cases, a trophy will make the minimum in only one category. If a trophy qualifies for both categories, it is the owner’s option to choose which the trophy will be listed in as it cannot appear in both. It is strongly suggested, however, that such a trophy be listed in the category where it ranks the highest.
A point in whitetail and Coues’ deer is any projection at least one inch long and longer than wide at some location at least one inch from the tip of the projection. (Each projection should be measured to ascertain whether it is or is not a point.) Once it is determined that a projection is a point then its entire point length is measured from its tip down to its base. As shown in figure 5-B, point base lines are established where the point joins either the main beam or another point. The base should reflect the normal antler configuration as if the point were not present.
The length of beam and antler point length measurement may be taken by the use of the flexible steel cable or a 1/4-inch wide, flexible steel clip-end tape. The use of a round, flexible steel cable (such as a bicycle brake cable) greatly speeds-up the measuring process while still yielding an accurate measurement. However, only the 1/4-inch wide steel tape can be used for circumference measurements.
In the past, deer with skull plates that had been fractured or shattered by a bullet, dropping, etc., were not acceptable for entry in B&C. However, it is now possible to enter such trophies, so long as the pieces can be perfectly pieced back together and the spread measurements taken. Skull plates that have been sawn in half still are not eligible for entry in B&C. Each damaged skull is considered on a case by case basis. See the Shed Antlers/Split Skulls policy.
For measurement of length, the cable is positioned along the outer curve of the beam or point. The end of the measurement is marked by attaching an alligator clip to the cable at the proper spot. The cable is then removed and held in a straight line against a clip-end tape or folding carpenter’s rule to record the length measurement. The clip-end tape is often faster to use when antler points are generally straight as the clip-end can easily be hooked on the end of the antler point and the tape stretched across the point’s base line. When using a 1/4-inch wide tape on a curved point or antler beam, the measurer will need to mark locations and pivot the tape along the line of measurement. Be sure to align the tape at the appropriate length when pivoting the tape.
The measurement for determining the length of an antler main beam is illustrated on the score chart, being generally a line from the antler burr, above the eye, to the beam tip, maintained along the outer side of the beam. It can be measured either from the tip to the burr or from the burr to the tip.
The measurement begins at the point where the center line along the outer side of the base intersects the burr. This point is above and slightly off center of the eye socket. To determine this starting point, view the antlers from the side lining up the far side with the near side. Find the middle of the burr as the antlers are viewed from this angle (i.e., the center of the burr on the outer side). It is neither at the lower front edge nor at the rear edge of the beam but rather at the outside center of the burr.
Once the starting location on the burr is noted, the length of the main beam measurement proceeds along the outer side of the beam towards the middle of the antler beam below the G-2 point as indicated on the diagram on the score chart (figure 5-A). From that location, it proceeds on out to the beam tip over the outer curve of the antler. In general, this line should stay near the middle of the beam on the outer side. It is sometimes helpful to first mark the base lines for the normal points as this may provide a visual reference for staying in the middle of the antler beam. The actual measurement is taken by the use of the flexible steel cable or steel clip-end tape. The use of a tape necessitates marking the antler with a soft lead pencil and swinging the tape at these marks as necessary as the antler curves. Either way should result in the same measurement if the correct line is chosen.
Prior to making the actual measurement by either method, it is often helpful to hold the rack in a normal, upright position at arm’s length. This will show whether or not the chosen line properly follows the outer curve of the main beam.
If the antler beam rolls inward, still stay near the middle of the beam even though the middle may now be on the top and not on the true outer side of the surface of the antler. If the beam hooks upward, still stay on the outer side of the antler near the middle (and not over the curve of the upper hook, which would place the measurement line along the bottom of the beam). If an abnormal point (or antler projection) is slightly in the line of measurement, simply find the shortest path around the point either above or below the projection and continue the measurement.
In rare instances, it may be necessary to use calipers to determine an accurate length of main beam measurement because of an obstructing point or growth. If this is the case, make tick marks immediately before and after the obstruction to mark the path of the main beam through it. Then, measure the distance from the burr to the obstruction with a cable, and use calipers to measure the distance through the obstruction. Finish by measuring the distance from the opposite side of the obstruction to the beam tip with a cable. Record all three measurements and add them together to arrive at the length of the main beam and record it on the score chart.
In the case of webbed antlers, special care must be taken when measuring beam lengths. You must first project the normal main beam as if there was no webbing. The length is then taken through the center of the projected main beam as usual. This measurement technique applies to any webbed antler, whether the webbing occurs on one or both antlers.
The next stage involves the measurement of point lengths. The designation of points as either normal or abnormal requires application of the following general rules:
1) Burr tines or “beauty points” (points arising from the antler burr) are always abnormal (figure 5-C1).
2) Split or multiple brow tines mean that only one of these can be measured as the normal brow point. If one of these is a clear-cut branch of the other, the branch is designated as abnormal (figure 5-C2). If both are separate points, without one being a branch of the other, choose as the normal G-1 point the one that best matches in shape and location usual G-1 points and the G-1 on the other antler. Generally this will be the longer point; the other(s) is then measured as abnormal.
3) Points arising from the side or bottom of the main beam are always abnormal (figure 5-C3).
4) Point branches (those arising from points rather than the main beam) are always abnormal (figure 5-C4).
5) Extra points occurring below the brow tine are always abnormal points even though they may be paired.
6) If two points (other than brow points) have a common base origin on the top of the main beam, and one is not a branch of the other, and both “pair” with points on the opposite antler, both are considered normal (See earlier discussion of common base points in Chapter 3).
7) Normal points arise from the top of the main beam at roughly spaced intervals and are usually paired with similar length points on the other antler in a more or less symmetrical pattern.
8) Paired points arising from the top of the beam are treated as normal points even though they may be shorter (or longer) than adjacent points and have slightly different spacing than other paired points. Thus, a pair of short points occurring between G-1 and the next set of taller points would be treated as G-2 points.
9) If a rack has two rows of side-by-side points on each antler, one row should be treated as abnormal points. Generally, the outer row points are measured as the normal points, and the inner row points off the top inside edge of the main beam are the abnormal points. There are instances where a single point, usually paired with a similar point on the opposite antler, comes off the top inside edge of the main beam and is considered an abnormal point. Such an offset point most commonly occurs between the normal G-2 and G-3 points (figure 5-D) and has two characteristics that identify is as abnormal. First, portions of the base overlap the base of another point on top of the main beam, causing the steel tape to twist or kink when taking a circumference measurement between such point and its neighbor. Second, and more obvious, is that such a point does not align with other normal points and extends inward at an angle of 30 degrees or more. If such an offset abnormal point (depicted in figure 5-D), occurs on only one antler, the matching point on the opposite side is also abnormal because it is a non-symmetry point.
10) Extra, unpaired points at the end of the beam that project upward and generally in the usual spacing pattern are treated as normal points (figure 5-E). Enter a dash or zero for the missing point on the other side. Since these unmatched points at the end of the beam are “matched” against a zero value, their lengths will be subtracted in the difference column essentially negating their presence. The determination of these as normal points should be the same whether the trophy is entered in the typical or non-typical category.
11) If an “extra” point (unpaired, and not one of the normal pattern of points) arises from the top of the main beam and upsets the interval spacing/pairing, it should be counted as abnormal (even though it is “normal” in origin) to avoid the artificial penalty for lack of symmetry between points that would occur if it were counted as a normal point. Such points are referred to as non-symmetry points and will be discussed in more detail in the material that follows.
12) There is no upper limit to how many normal points might occur on a whitetail trophy (figure 5-F), but the usual pattern is seven or fewer (plus beam tip) per antler, and the score chart reflects this pattern. In the extreme rarity that more than seven truly normal points occur, the measurements of the extra point(s) could be included as a separate additional line(s) and explained in the REMARKS section.
13) If a G-1 point (brow tine) is missing on one antler, it is proper to treat the existing brow tine on the opposite antler as a normal point, and match it against a blank or zero value for the missing G-1. There are actually three, and only three occasions, when an unmatched point off the top of the beam is treated as a normal point—a point opposite a missing brow tine that never grew (as described above), a point opposite a broken normal point less than an inch long, and an unmatched point at the end of the main beam.
The lengths of the individual normal and abnormal points are recorded in the proper blanks on the score chart. If a normal point has been broken off to less than an inch long, record a zero or dash to indicate its condition and note the action in the REMARKS. Such action preserves the sequence and avoids any artificial penalty for non-symmetry.
Certain special cases—common base points, webbed points, burr points—that occur on all deer subspecies were covered in Chapter 4. Additional comments are in order for the treatment of non-symmetry points. The rule is simple—if an extra unmatched point, that is a normal point by definition, occurs at some position other than at the end of the beam, it is treated as an abnormal point. Such points are referred to as non-symmetry points. If this point were paired on the opposite beam, it would be treated as a normal point. Thus a rack must display more normal points on one side than the other to even be considered as one that has a non-symmetry point. While these unmatched points can occur at any location, they are most common between G-2 and G-3 as illustrated in figure 5-G. One specific situation that may give rise to this situation is the presence of a common base point with G-2 on one side and a forked G-2 on the other. In such cases, it is likely the point sharing the common base with G-2 is extra as it may be “matched” against the fork, which is an abnormal point on the other side.
The key determination is which point is unmatched. If the point is unmatched at the end, then it is normal. If it is unmatched between normal points, it is abnormal. The determination is the same whether or not the deer is being measured as a typical or non-typical entry. In many cases, the decision will result in an overall lower score for the buck, particularly if it is being entered in the typical category. Such a result should occur since the measuring system for typical entries is designed to reward highly symmetrical, balanced antlers. An extra point detracts from this symmetry. Again, this ruling does not apply to an unmatched G-1 point, nor an unmatched point at the beam’s end. In cases where a point is ruled a non-symmetry point, please use the REMARKS to highlight this decision.
Points are measured either from the base lines established on the main beam to the tip of each point or from point tip to the base line, with both methods yielding the same result. Generally, points end in a sharp cone shape, with the measurement being to the tip of this cone. Should the point end in a noticeably blunted condition, somewhat like a human thumb, the measurement line can be continued to the midpoint of the rounding. If a point (or beam) is broken and not a round blunt end, use a credit card or carpenter’s square to “square off” the end in a fashion similar to the taking of the length of horn for sheep.
If a rack shows numerous points and/or many abnormal points, measurement of it can be aided by marking each point with bits of colored tape to designate normal points (perhaps green tape) and abnormal points (perhaps red tape). It is also very helpful to use a third color to indicate projections that do not qualify as points so that they are not inadvertently and incorrectly measured as points. As each point is measured to its proper base line, the tape is removed to show that the point has been measured. (Remember the beam tip is not measured as a point.)
Establishment of the base lines for individual point measurement is straightforward. The base line is established to identify that material properly called main beam from the material of the point (or separate a point branch from its “parent” point). Properly drawn, the base line should delineate the same amount of beam (or “parent”) material below the point’s center as can be ascertained on either side of the point being measured. A good method of marking base lines is to pull a measuring cable across the point base resting on top of the parent structure antler material. Then the base line is marked with a lead pencil along the lower edge of the cable.
Antler points are then measured along the outside of their curve. In almost every case, the points G-2, G-3, G-4, and others in the sequence, curve inward and not outward. If a point should curve outward, it would be appropriate to measure it on the inside of the rack and thus reflect properly the outer curve of the point. In the case where it is not obvious which direction the point curves, measure both sides and record the longer measurement as the point length. It is never correct to measure along the edges of a point to determine its length. The same procedure of measuring points on the outside of their curve applies to abnormal points as well.
The brow tines, although usually straight, may be curved either backward or forward. If they are curved forward, they are measured on the backside in order to reflect the outer curve of the point. If they are curved backward, they are measured on the front side, again to reflect the outer curve. Note such actions in the REMARKS.
The four circumferences (H-1, H-2, H-3, and H-4) are taken by use of the ring-end measuring tape. The tape should be positioned in the general area of the indicated measurement by looping it around the main beam. Pull the tape together and gently move it along the beam until the smallest circumference measurement is obtained. If you use a clip-end tape to measure circumferences, overlap the tape at a full 10 inch increment to simplify the procedure. Be sure to subtract the amount of overlap before recording the measurement.
Almost without exception whitetail trophies large enough to reach the current All-time records book minimum entry score (170 for typical; 195 for non-typical) will have at least five normal points (including beam tip) on each antler. For such trophies, the four circumferences will be taken between points as illustrated on the score chart. However, many Coues’ deer will show only three measured points per antler, which will require that the H-4 circumference be taken halfway between the G-3 point and the antler tip (figure 5-H). To make this measurement properly, determine the center of the base of G-3 where it meets the main beam, then measure from this center point to the beam tip. The halfway point of this line is the correct location for the H-4 circumference.
The inside spread should be taken with a folding carpenter’s rule, utilizing the extension to complete the measured line. Care must be exercised to properly position the ruler for this measurement. The line of measurement should be at a right angle to the long axis of the skull. It must also be parallel to the skull cap. Thus, if one beam should be positioned higher than the other, it will be necessary to utilize a straightedge against the higher antler to properly locate the line. The actual measurement is taken to the center of the main beams once it has been properly positioned.
The actual measurement is taken to the inside center of the main beams once the antlers have been properly positioned. The correct points of contact for taking the inside spread measurement are noted in figure 5-I, which represents the cross sections of the main beams. If the main beams roll inwards or tilt outwards, the inside spread is taken to the centers of the main beams as illustrated in figure 5-J and figure 5-K, respectively.
Note that spread credit (Column 1 of the score chart) cannot exceed the length of the longer antler main beam. If the spread measurement does exceed the longer main beam, enter the longer main beam length (rather than the inside spread measurement) in Column 1 of the score chart.
Rarely, one antler will curve inward in the normal fashion, while the other will flare outward. In such a case, the point of measurement for inside spread should not be taken on the flaring antler beyond where it begins to diverge from the “normal” curvature as found on the other antler.
The supplementary data of tip to tip spread should also be taken by use of the folding carpenter’s rule or measuring tape. This measurement is simply from the center of the tip of one antler to the center of the tip of the other. Greatest spread is best taken by use of two perpendiculars, such as carpenter’s levels held upright by large c-clamps or perfectly square-cut wooden blocks, that are positioned on each side of the rack. The measurement is then taken by a steel measuring tape or folding carpenter’s rule between the perpendiculars.
The Boone and Crockett Club recognizes two categories of whitetail deer. The larger and the more familiar to most of us is the common whitetail, which is found in Mexico, all but a handful of states in the United States, and in many parts of Canada. The other is the Coues’ deer, a small-bodied whitetail with correspondingly smaller antlers that is found in the deserts and deciduous woodlands of southwestern New Mexico, Arizona, and northwestern Mexico. No part of the Coues’ deer’s current range is inhabited by the larger whitetail, thus separating the two subspecies.
The first thing you will notice about a large whitetail buck’s rack is the overall height and width, followed by the number of points, and mass. When assessing a potential trophy’s score, we need to look at the lengths of the main beams, lengths of the points, the inside spread of the main beams, and the mass or circumference of the main beams at four locations.
These things can be quickly evaluated in the field with a few simple calculations. To do this we need things of known sizes to visually compare the antlers to and in this case we will use the deer’s ears, eyes, and nose. While this can be an inexact science considering the range of sizes from the diminutive Coues’ deer to the bulky giants of Canada, we are going to throw out the biggest and the smallest and take an average of the most common whitetails found in the United States. The average buck, with his ears in an alert position, has an ear tip-to-tip spread of 16 inches. His ears will measures six inches from the base to the tip. The circumference of his eye is four inches, and from the center of the eye to the end of his nose should measure about eight inches. These will be our “rulers” for antler size estimation. If you are hunting in an area that traditionally produces huge-bodied deer, or if you are hunting the little Coues’ deer, you will need to adjust your “rulers” accordingly.
Assuming you can get a frontal view, estimating a buck’s inside spread should be easy. Is he outside of his ear tips? If so, by how much? For example, if his main beam appears to be half an ear or three inches outside the ear tip on each side, then by adding 6 to 16 we find that he has a 22-inch spread.
Judging the length of the main beams is next. A general rule of thumb is to look for a buck whose main beams appear to extend forward as far as the tip of his nose. However, by using this criterion alone, a long-beamed buck might be passed over if you only have a side view and the buck has a wide spread and/or its antlers turn sharply in so that the main beam tips nearly touch. Also, be aware of the buck whose beams tower above its head before sweeping forward as this adds valuable inches to an otherwise average looking main beam. The actual main beam length is estimated using our ear length and eye to nose “rulers.”
Next, and to many, the most impressive features of a trophy whitetail are the number and lengths of the points on his rack. The Boone and Crockett Club defines a point on a whitetail or Coues’ deer as “any projection at least one inch long and longer than it is wide at one inch or more of length.” Since most whitetails are hunted in or near heavy cover where there may only be seconds to assess their antlers, we need a quick way to count points.
Points may be quickly counted by assuming that an overwhelming majority of mature whitetail bucks grow a brow tine on each antler and that the main beam tip usually lies almost horizontally. This allows us to count the standing normal points G-2, G-3, G-4, etc., and quickly add that to the number 2 (brow tine and beam tip). With this method you can quickly determine that a buck with two standing normal points per side is a 4x4 or 8-pointer, and with three standing points per side he is a 5x5 or 10-pointer, and so on, with the exception of Coues’ whitetail. Nearly all the bucks that make the records book have at least five normal points per side. The length of the points can be estimated using the same “rulers” we used for the main beams.
The typical pattern of a mature whitetail’s antler development is an unbranched main beam that normally develops from three to seven (sometimes more) unbranched points per antler at roughly spaced intervals. Any other points are considered “abnormal” and their lengths are deducted from the score if the buck is scored as a typical or added to the score if it is being scored as a non-typical.
Estimating the mass or circumference measurements of the antler is where we use our deer’s four-inch eye circumference as the “ruler.” Compare the antler at H-1, H-2, etc., to the eye. How much bigger is the antler? If it were half again bigger, the circumference measurement at that point would be about six inches.
Ideally, the rack should be viewed from the front and the side especially when judging the main beams. However, this isn’t always possible and sometimes you will just have to go with your gut feeling. But beware of the rear view, as it can be deceiving. From this angle you get an exaggerated impression of the antler’s height and spread.
The most practical way to practice your field-judging skills is to estimate the score of mounted heads. Use the buck’s “rulers” to estimate the score, then check your calculations by actually measuring the rack. With a little practice, you will be surprised how close your estimates will become. One last word of advice, when the time comes to shoot, don’t bother looking at the antlers one more time. It can cause your nervous system to do strange things.
Coues’ deer are miniature, desert-dwelling cousins of the familiar whitetail. Therefore, you are looking for the same features as in whitetails, only reduced in expression. Coues’ deer antlers tend to form semi-circles, with the antler tips often pointing toward each other. Seldom will a Coues’ deer show the “wide-open” look that is fairly common in whitetails. Often, there is very little distance between the antler tips, and some may nearly touch each other. A mature Coues’ deer antler set may well look like a small whitetail set, although usually developed to a more “finished” look overall. Interestingly, the antler beams of Coues’ deer may well be nearly as thick as those on a mature whitetail.
There will be at least three well-developed points (plus beam tip) on each antler for a near-book typical Coues’ deer trophy, and the inside spread will need to be near 15 inches. The general look of the rack will be mature, with the second point on each antler being usually the longest of the side and the antler tips pointing toward each other.
A large non-typical Coues’ deer will show these qualities plus several noticeable abnormal points. Roughly, the abnormal points will need to total about 10 inches (current typical all-time records book minimum entry score is 110 and that for non-typical is 120), which means generally about three or four abnormal points on the rack. ■
