Columbia and Sitka blacktail deer and mule deer are subspecies of the same species that are separated by geographically defined boundary lines for records-keeping purposes. Antler formation is similar, with mature Sitka blacktail racks being noticeably smaller than those of Columbia blacktail, which in turn are smaller than mature mule deer. There are typical and non-typical categories for all three subspecies.
From a structural standpoint typical mule deer and blacktails are actually the easiest of all the deer to measure as there can be no more than five specific normal points per antler, including the brow point (G-1) and the main beam tip (figure 6-A). All other measurable points are abnormal points and so entered on the score chart. A measurable point 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 or not it is a point.) Once it is determined that a projection is a point, the entire point length is measured from its tip down to its base. As shown in figure 6-B, point base lines are established where the point joins either the main beam or another point. The base line should reflect the normal antler configuration as if the point were not present.
If an antler lacks a brow point (G-1 point), as frequently happens in mule deer/blacktail deer categories, there can be only four normal points, including the main beam tip. Sitka blacktail deer sometimes fail to develop G-3 points, and thus resemble the usual 4x4 whitetail pattern with points arising from the top of the main beam.
Once you have identified the 5 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 mule deer and blacktails 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.
The length of beam and antler point length measurements may be taken by the use of the flexible steel cable or a flexible, 1/4 inch wide 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 yielding an accurate measurement. However, only the 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.
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 length of antler main beam measurement is illustrated on the score chart, being generally a line from the antler burr to the beam 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 toward the middle of the antler beam below the G-2 point as indicated on the diagram on the score chart (figure 6-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. The line can be measured from either the burr to the tip or the tip to the burr. If the antler beam rolls inward, still stay near the middle of the beam even though the middle may not be on the true outer side 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 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.
After the main beam lengths are recorded, the lengths of G-1, G-2, and G-4 are measured from their base lines on the main beam. The base line for the G-3 point is along the edge of the G-2 point from which it arises. Since a point is measured over its outer curve, the base line can be on either the inside or the outside of the rack depending on the curvature of the point. If normal points are missing on one or both antlers (e.g. G-1, G-3 or G-4), enter a zero or dash on the score chart to indicate their absence. This is necessary to properly maintain the rest of the point sequence.
The designation of points as either normal or abnormal requires some judgment, especially if there are numerous paired points. Figure 6-C demonstrates some abnormal configurations. Keep in mind the following general rules for mule and blacktail deer points:
1) Burr tines or “beauty points” (points arising from or near the antler burr) are always abnormal.
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. 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 point on the other antler. Generally this will be the longer point; the other(s) is then measured as abnormal.
3) Often a cluster of projections and points will be present, especially on G-1. In order for more than one projection to be treated as a point, each projection separately must meet the definition of a point (longer than wide at one inch or more of length). In such cases, the base of secondary projections may be back to the main beam only if they share a common base, or back to the “parent” point if they do not.
4) Except for the G-3 point, point branches (those arising from points rather than the main beam) are always abnormal.
5) Points arising from the side or bottom of the main beam are always abnormal.
6) Normal points occur in the “Y” branching pattern, with two such forks (G-2 and G-3 plus G-4 and beam tip) comprising the normal condition.
The lengths of the individual normal points, and also any abnormal points present, are recorded in the proper blanks on the score chart, with zero or a dash being recorded for the obvious absence of a point in the normal sequence. Points are measured either from the base lines established on the main beam to the tip of each point or from the point tip to the base line. Either method should yield 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. In measuring points, the measurement line should be along the outer curve of the point to properly record its greatest length. Abnormal points are measured in exactly the same manner as normal points.
If the trophy has numerous extra points, it may be difficult to remember which are normal and which are abnormal as the measurement of individual points is begun. Marking the points with bits of colored tape can be a distinct help. Use one color (perhaps green) for the normal points and another (perhaps red) for the abnormal ones. Also be sure to designate projections that do not qualify as points with some form of tape or mark so they are not inadvertently recorded as points. Once all points have been so tagged, the individual point measurement is begun. As each point is measured, the tape is removed to show measurement of that point has been completed. When all tape bits have been removed, the measurement of individual points is complete (remember, a main beam tip is not measured as an individual point because its length is recorded as length of main beam.)
When measuring non-typical entries, it is very helpful to record the abnormal points in a systematic fashion. Start near the base and measure each point up the main beam to G-2; then measure all abnormal points off G-2 (and G-3). Continue along the main beam and G-4 until you have recorded all abnormal points on that side of the antler. If you inadvertently fail to measure one point, it will be far easier to determine which point is missing if you have proceeded in this orderly manner.
Some Columbia blacktail, Sitka blacktail and rarely mule deer will be missing a G-3 point on one antler and will display an apparent reversal of the usual pattern of the G-2 and G-3 points on the other. Normally, the third point (G-3) projects forward and to the outside from G-2. In some cases, the shorter branch point will project backwards as figure 6-D displays. In such a case, if the rearmost point is designated as G-2 (as is normally done), the resulting pairing with the other antler will match this short point with the longer G-2 of the other side. Except for this reversal, the rack may be very symmetrical and matching the long G-2 with the short, “reversed” point would produce a large deduction. In such cases (one where the G-3 point is missing on one side and where the rear point on the other is a shorter branch), it is permissible to label the rear pointing projection as G-3, which will better pair the two longer points that come off the main beam. It is important to note this ruling applies only when a G-3 point is missing from only one of the antlers. If the deer has G-2 and G-3 points present on both antlers, then the rear, inner points are always G-2 and the forward projecting, outer points are always G-3 regardless of their configuration.
Four circumferences are always taken regardless of the number of normal points. The four circumference locations (H-1, H-2, H-3, and H-4) shown in figure 6-E should only be taken with the ring-end tape. The tape should be positioned in the general area of the indicated measurement by looping it around the main beam. Then 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.
If the G-1 point is completely missing (figure 6-E) then H-1 and H-2 are taken at the same location, the smallest circumference between the G-2 point and the burr. However, if there is an indication of the presence of the G-1 point even though the projection (or broken point) does not qualify as G-1 then it is proper to take the H-1 and H-2 measurements on either side of the projection, as would normally be done if it was a point. Some blacktails (rarely mule deer) fail to develop the third point (G-3) branching from G-2, thus lack the usual point of location for the third circumference (H-3). In such a case, measure the G-2 point length and then mark its midpoint as the proper location to take the third circumference (figure 6-F). Likewise if G-4 is totally missing, the H-4 measurement is taken halfway from the center of the base of the G-2 point on the main beam to the beam tip (figure 6-G).
While most mule deer display the standard five by five antler configuration, some added problems may arise. Sometimes a projection that appears at first glance to be the G-4 point may actually project from the G-2 point (figure 6-H) instead of the main beam, as it should. When this antler configuration occurs, there is no G-4 point and the point off G-2 is treated as abnormal. This ruling will also affect the location of the H-4 measurement. Some mule deer may have common base G-2 and G-4 points. If this occurs only on one side of the rack, there is no problem and the points (G-2 and G-4) are measured to the beam (figure 6-I). If the G-2 and G-4 points on both antlers are common base, their lengths (on both sides) are taken as illustrated in figure 6-J. This procedure is the same as the method for common base points described earlier in the field guide.
The inside spread (D, figure 6-K) should be taken with a folding carpenter’s rule, utilizing the extension to complete the measurement (figure 6-K). 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 appreciably higher than the other, it will be necessary to utilize a straightedge against the higher antler to properly locate the line. The actual measurement will reflect the greatest distance between the inside edges of the two main beams, making sure to keep the line oriented as noted above. Since the beams may roll outward (figure 5-I) or inward (figure 5-J) this measurement is taken from near the center of one beam to near the center of the other at the widest location.
On rare occasions, one antler will curve inward in the normal fashion, while the other will excessively flare outward. In such a case, the inside spread measurement cannot include spread caused by the excessive flaring of the antler beam. The measurement is then taken at the greatest inside spread from the location where the antler begins to diverge from the “normal” curvature back to the burr.
Note that spread credit (Column 1 of the score chart) cannot exceed the length of the longer antler main beam. If the inside 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. Although the inside spread on a whitetail rarely, if ever, is greater than the length of the longer antler, this situation is fairly common in mule deer. Many non-typical mule deer display exceptionally wide spreads; thus, the measurer must watch for this situation to occur.
The supplementary data of tip to tip spread (figure 6-K) should also be taken with a folding carpenter’s rule or steel tape. This measurement (B, figure 6-K) is simply from the center of the tip of one antler to the center of the tip of the other. On mule deer that flare out in a general fashion (not excessively divergent), the inside spread may occur near the beam tips and be nearly the same as the tip to tip measurement.
Greatest spread (C, figure 6-K) is best taken by use of two perpendiculars (figure 6-K), such as carpenter’s levels held upright by large c-clamps or perfectly square-cut wooden blocks. The measurement is then taken by yardstick or folding carpenter’s rule between the perpendiculars, after they are positioned snugly against the rack. If perpendiculars are not available, a floor and wall can be used for one perpendicular, with the second being improvised from a carpenter’s level or a straight, square-cut board. In no case should the human eye be relied upon for establishment of the second perpendicular line.
Mule deer may not have as much going on above their heads as other members of the deer family, like elk and moose, but judging them in the field can be just as tricky. Accurately field judging a mule deer buck’s trophy status starts with knowing the basics of scoring a mule deer. Under the Boone and Crockett Club’s scoring system, the gross score for a typical mule deer is the sum total of measurements of his inside spread, length of his main beams, length of points, and eight mass or circumference measurements. By definition, a typical mule deer will have four points per side, plus eye guards. Under field conditions we don’t always have the time to pull out a calculator, however, there are a few things we can quickly look for to determine whether a buck would be a record book qualifier.
Once you’ve located your buck the first thing to check is his overall frame. This is the part where, “If he looks big, he is big” can come into play. A buck’s frame takes into account all factors used in scoring — the inside spread, length of points, length of the main beams, and mass. If you’re looking at a high racked buck with long points and a spread past his ears, you just might be looking at a buck that warrants a full evaluation. As a rule, high, wide, and heavy is what to look for, especially if you’re beyond trophy and thinking record book.
After frame, try and get a clean look at the number of points, fork depth, and symmetry. Any additional or “abnormal” points are subtracted from the typical score. However, if there are enough abnormal points, a buck may be scored as a non-typical and the length of the abnormal points are added to the score. The overwhelming majority of bucks that make the book are five-point bucks (western count — four points per side, plus the eye guards). A buck with good eye guards (3+ inches) is a bonus. If he is at least a 5x5, including the brow tines, move on to fork depth. Deep forks translate into long tines and high scores. The deeper his forks, front and back, the longer his tines will be.
While sizing up his forks, pay attention to fork symmetry. Do the back forks and front forks match their counterparts on the opposite antler in depth and tine length? In scoring, symmetry is a factor. It is common to see bucks with strong back forks but weak fronts (crab claws) and vise-versa.
Next, check for mass. The mass or circumference of the main beam is also a consideration in scoring, but it can be tough to judge in the field. Mass can be estimated by comparing the circumference of the antler to the buck’s eye. A mule deer’s eye will measure about four inches in circumference. By using his eye as a gauge you can visualize whether his bases and main beams are at least 4-inches or larger. Heavy bases (6+ inches) with this kind of mass carried out through his main beams (5 to 4 inches), means a buck will receive high marks in the circumference category.
Your last check is spread. By now you’ve already accessed his spread when checking his frame, but it will help to pin down a spread measurement before you tally everything. To accurately judge antler spread, we can use a buck’s ear width as a gauge. On the average mature mule deer buck, with its ears in an alert position, he will have an ear span of 20 to 22 inches tip-to-tip. But I have measured large specimens with ear tip to tip spans up to 26 inches. However, if you always use the 20 to 22 inch estimate your buck is less likely to suffer “ground shrinkage.” So with this estimate a buck’s rack past his ears by two inches means an inside spread in the neighborhood of 24 inches — more than enough to put him in the book if the rest adds up.
After judging all these antler features you should be able to put your buck into one of three categories; obviously a shooter and book contender, a buck on the bubble that may require actually adding up the numbers to see if he will make 180 (B&C typical minimum), or just one heck of a nice buck. If he’s on the edge, you might have to put a number on each feature that counts in final scoring and mentally add them up for a rough score to make your decision. Here, you can use his ears again to estimate each number. On most mature bucks it is approximately eight inches from the white spot at the base of the ear to the ear tip. If you visually superimpose this feature to the antler, you can accurately estimate things like length of main beam, height of the rack and length of the points.
There can be a lot of hurdles to overcome in accurate field judging. Getting enough time to look your buck over closely is one. Seeing all the angles so you can count points and access fork depth is another. There are also a few “X” factors that can throw you a curve, like antler coloration and background. Bucks sporting darker horns can appear to have more mass than a tape can give them credit for. Conversely, lighter colored antlers can appear to be thinner than they really are. Background can also trick you. If your buck is standing with snow as a backdrop, antler mass can appear greater. If he is standing in the shadows or in low light, his antlers can also appear to be thinner. Another common illusion in all field judging is the power of your optics. If you are viewing, at fairly close range, with your spotting scope on 60x, even an average 5x5 can look like a monster. Back off your power to a reasonable setting so you can compare him to his body features.
Bucks on the move leave little time for a really good look. You may not be able to get past frame and mass before you have to make a decision. Bucks traveling away from you always appear bigger than they are, and watch for other bucks. Having other bucks in view to compare with can be helpful. They can also trick you if you don’t pay close attention to how big they really are compared to the best buck in the bunch.
Also, if it’s been a while since you’ve seen a quality buck, either from season to season, or if you have gone a few days on the same hunt without seeing one, the first buck you see may seem bigger than he really is. If you have the time, settle down and run your mental checklist.
Lastly, a 30-inch spread is the ideological benchmark most mule deer enthusiasts look for in a trophy. Often times outside spread is all that gets noticed, as illustrated by my new-found hunting buddy mentioned earlier. Keep in mind, spread looks good on the wall, but in scoring, inside spread between the main beams is all that counts and it’s only one measurement. There are plenty of bucks in the record book with 25-inch inside spreads.
As with all acquired skills, accurate field judging comes with practice. The more bucks you have a chance to put a mental tape on the better you will become at judging them before deciding to tag ’em or pass ’em. Nothing beats sizing up live game under field conditions when the pressure is on. This builds confidence and speed in your assessment. But, if you are like most of us, time in the field seeing trophy-class bucks can be hard to come by. The next best thing is to estimate the score of mounted heads, then put a tape on them. You’ll be surprised how close you can come with a little practice. ■
