The Records of North American Big Game Committee of the Boone and Crockett Club, more commonly referred to as the Records Committee, is the backbone of the Boone and Crockett Club’s big-game records-keeping activities. Even though the Records Committee generally keeps a low profile, its presence is always felt, as it is solely responsible for overseeing and directing the records keeping efforts of the Club.
On July 16, 1902, the Club’s Executive Committee chairman assigned Theodore Roosevelt, Caspar Whitney, and Archibald Rogers to a subcommittee with the sole purpose of devising an objective method for recording measurements of big-game animals. It wasn’t until 1934, however, that the Records Committee was first recognized as a standing Committee, two years after the publication of the 1932 edition of the records book, Records of North American Big Game . The members of the first Records Committee appointed in 1902 were Alfred Ely, Chairman, Harold E. Anthony, and R.R.M. Carpenter. Since then, there have been nine Chairmen and numerous individuals who have served on the Records Committee. The list of Chairmen of the Records Committee includes:
■ Alfred Ely (1935-46)
■ Harold E. Anthony (1947-50)
■ Samuel B. Webb (1951-58)
■ Robert S. Waters (1959-64)
■ Elmer M. Rusten (1965-70)
■ Jack S. Parker (1971-77)
■ Philip L. Wright (1978-86)
■ Walter H. White (1987-1994)
■ C. Randall Byers (1995-2002)
■ Eldon L. “Buck” Buckner (2002-to present)
In its role of overseeing the records program, the Records Committee adopts policies from time-to-time that guide the operations of the Club’s Awards Programs. The following sections of this chapter present many of those policies and procedures. If a Measurer has any question about these operating guidelines, he or she is encouraged to call the Club’s office for clarification.
On all questions relating to the operations of the records program, the Records Committee is the final arbiter. Measuring decisions by individual Measurers can be overruled by the Records Office and/or the Records Committee. Such actions are taken to ensure that different trophies with similar conditions are treated in a consistent fashion.
The Club’s volunteer force of over 1,250 Official Measurers and Associate Measurers serve at the discretion of the Club. Official Measurers are appointed only upon successful completion of all aspects of a four and a half day, Club sponsored, Measurer training workshop that covers scoring procedures for all 38 categories of native North American big game recognized by the Club. Associate Measurers, a Measurer category begun in 2008, are appointed only upon successful completion of all aspects of a two day, Club sponsored, Measurer training workshop that covers scoring procedures for all bear, cat, deer, and elk categories recognized by the Club. Associate Measurers asked to score a trophy from a category for which they are not qualified to score should contact B&C’s records office for a list of Measurers in their area who are qualified to do so.
In 2007, Boone and Crockett Club created an Official Measurer Emeritus category to honor and accommodate those Measurers who would like to slow down or cease measuring, but who wish to stay in touch and value their Measurer status. Measurers who wish to become an Official Measurer Emeritus will be removed from the active Measurer list distributed to the general public, but the Emeritus designation will allow them to continue to score an occasional trophy if they so desire. Measurers should consider this option if the situation applies to them. If a Measurer wishes to become Emeritus, he should call the Club’s headquarters and tell the operator what he or she would like to do.
The Club may conduct as many as five workshops a year in areas where needs are the greatest. Attendance at workshops is by invitation only. Candidates for the workshops are selected from applications on file at the Club’s Records Office. Individuals wishing to be considered for invitation to a workshop can obtain a Measurer application by downloading a copy from B&C’s web site (www.booneandcrockettclub.com), calling B&C’s headquarters, or by sending an introductory letter requesting an application to Boone and Crockett Club, 250 Station Dr., Missoula, MT 59801. Such letters should include an individual’s reasons for wishing to become a Measurer and a brief description of related experience.
Individuals applying for a workshop should note that application to become a Measurer does not guarantee an invitation. The number of applications received by Boone and Crockett Club far exceeds the Club’s need for Measurers. Invitations to workshops are ultimately based upon where the Club’s needs are the greatest and on a potential candidate’s experience and enthusiasm.
Measurers are appointed for two-year terms. At the end of the two-year period, each Measurer is individually considered for reappointment. In most cases, such reappointment occurs. A Measurer’s appointment may be terminated at any time if his or her actions have been detrimental to the goals and ideals of the Boone and Crockett Club.
As noted earlier, Measurers play a critical role in the operation of the records program. Their donation of time to measure trophies as a public service makes the continuing records keeping for native North American big game trophies both possible and so very well received and recognized by the North American hunter. Clearly the Boone and Crockett Club appreciates and applauds their contributions.
Integrity has been of paramount importance to Boone and Crockett Club since its founding in 1887 when its first Fair Chase Statement was incorporated into its bylaws (Table A). Members did this even though there were no game laws back then regulating bag limits, seasons, methods of take, sex or age of animals, calibers, equipment, etc., This was a radical concept for the time since “hunting” was a 24/7, free-for-all activity engaged in by many settlers to feed their families and eliminate competition for farming and ranching practices. Market hunters made as much money as possible from the sale of hides, meat, or fashion fads such as elk teeth or egret plumes.
The concept of “Fair Chase” is an integral and inseparable part of the Club’s records-keeping activities. An Entry Affidavit, previously known as the Fair Chase Statement, must be signed by hunters submitting their trophies, with the signature witnessed by either a notary public or a Measurer. The affidavit lists conditions of taking that cause a trophy to be ineligible for the records program. These conditions, considered “unfair chase,” have increased over the years as a result of technical advances in equipment and hunting techniques. By signing the Entry Affidavit, the hunter acknowledges that a fraudulently signed statement will bar the entry from the records archives or result in its removal. In addition, all prior entries of that individual will be deleted from future editions of the records book, and future entries will not be accepted.
Fair Chase
The term “fair chase” shall not be held to include killing bear, wolf, or cougar in traps, nor “fire-hunting,” nor “crusting” moose, elk, or deer in deep snow, nor killing game from a boat while it is swimming in the water.
(Article 1 section 1.3, Boone and Crockett Club by-laws, founded December 1887.)
Measurers, who volunteer their time and talents to score trophies for the hunting public, are not only the backbone of the Club’s records-keeping activities, but they are also its eyes and ears. It is their responsibility to notify B&C staff when they become aware of any irregularities with entry procedures and non-compliance with the Entry Affidavit, so that any allegations can be thoroughly investigated. A Measurer should never “look the other way,” nor should he confront individuals concerning allegations of unfair chase. (B&C also welcomes information from the public about trophies allegedly taken in violation of Club policies.)
All information received at B&C headquarters concerning alleged Fair Chase violations is treated with the utmost confidence. Everyone is considered innocent until a thorough investigation is completed and reviewed by the records committee. If the allegations are confirmed, that trophy is barred from entry or dropped from future books, depending on the situation. If they are not confirmed, the trophy is either accepted or remains listed in the records book.
B&C has been erroneously accused of barring a trophy from entry or dropping one from the records archives because, “It has an ax to grind with that individual,” or “B&C doesn’t want a trophy from this state (or province) to be listed as a World’s Record,” or “B&C doesn’t want that trophy to score that much.” Nothing could be further from the truth. No one at B&C has ever favored one trophy over another nor has it ever penalized a trophy for any unfounded reason. Every trophy is handled individually and treated with the respect it deserves. B&C has nothing to gain by unjustly discriminating against any trophy or trophy owner.
Fortunately, it is a fact that nearly all trophies listed in the Club’s records books were taken by well-deserving, honest hunters. Unfortunately, there are always a few bad examples that give hunters a black eye. The records office will make every effort to maintain and uphold the integrity of the Club’s Awards Program.
Once a trophy has been measured, there are a number of entry requirements (Table B) that need to be fulfilled to insure the efficient and accurate processing of the trophy entry.
The most obvious and basic item needed to enter a trophy is a fully completed, current, original score chart, signed and dated by a B&C Measurer. Photocopies of score charts, as well as incomplete score charts, are unacceptable. Entries submitted on Pope and Young Club score charts, or on any outdated B&C score charts (those with copyright dates earlier than 2008 at the time this manual was updated) are also unacceptable. When an entry is not submitted on the correct (and properly completed) score chart, the Measurer will be asked to prepare and submit a correct and accurate original score chart for that entry. While different copyrighted versions may look nearly identical, they are significantly different, usually due to changes in the Entry Affidavit on the back of the score chart.
A fee of $40 U.S. in the form of check, money order or credit card authorization must accompany each entry. The entry fee can also be paid with a credit card. If the entry fee is not included with the entry materials, or if the incorrect amount is tendered, the trophy owner is notified that the entry fee is needed and processing is held up until the correct amount is received. Measurers, museums, Game and Fish agencies, etc. are exempt from the entry fee.
Entry requirements
For entry submission, the following items must be sent to the Boone and Crockett Club, 250 Station Drive, Missoula, MT 59801:
□ Score chart original, signed and dated by the Measurer
□ The $40.00 non-refundable registration fee*
□ Clearly focused photographs of the trophy front, left and right sides (for cat and bear entries-front left and right sides, and top of clean, dry skull)
□ An Entry Affidavit with hunter’s signature notarized**
□ A completed Hunter, Guide, and Hunt Information Form**
□ A copy of the hunting license/big game tags used to take the trophy**
* Measurers, museums, Game and Fish agencies, etc. are exempt.
** Does not apply for trophies of unknown origin or picked-up.
Each entry must be accompanied by clearly-focused, close-up, black and white or color photographs; slides are not acceptable. All bear and cat entries must be accompanied by photos of the front, left side, right side, and top of the clean, dried skull. All other entries must be accompanied by photos of the front, left side, and right side of the trophy. The photos can be of either the mounted or unmounted trophy, so long as all the trophy’s features (antlers, horns, etc.) are clearly visible. All side photos, including those of moose, must be taken at right angles to the trophy, again to clearly illustrate the trophy’s characteristics.
Photo requirements
A. Camera quality – the resolution level of the image must be 2 mega-pixels and above.
B. Printer – digital photographs must be printed at 1,200 DPI or better.
C. Paper – digital photographs must be printed on glossy, photo-grade paper.
D. Photo size – 3”x4” or 4”x6” singly or three or four photographs on a single page. Do not send single 8”x10” photos.
The photos can be taken at any time, from time of harvest to the stage when the trophy is being scored. The photos enable the records office to verify the scoring procedure of each entry by comparing the photographs to the measurements on the score chart. In addition, they add valuable information to each trophy’s file that could not be obtained in any other fashion.
Digital photographs (not CDs, memory cards, or flash drives) are acceptable in place of regular print photographs now that the technology is available to guarantee and protect the integrity of the Club’s archives. Digital photographs submitted for acceptance into the Club’s Awards Programs, must comply with the criteria listed in Table C to clearly see all the trophy’s details, and for possible reproduction in B&C’s publications.
Noncompliance with photo requirements causes delays in processing or in many cases, rejection. All the required photographs are needed to insure that the trophy is properly documented and correctly scored.
While field photos are not required, the records office would like to obtain a good-quality photograph of each trophy owner with his or her trophy. High quality field photos are regularly used in various Boone and Crockett Club publications, in addition to helping verify conditions of the hunt.
In the case of a new state or provincial record, the records office would like to obtain a good quality portrait photograph of the mounted trophy. Such photos are used as full page features for each state and provincial record in species specific records books such as Records of North American Whitetail Deer and others that are periodically published and updated from time to time. Each state and provincial record in these books is featured with a full page portrait photograph.
An original Entry Affidavit, properly signed and witnessed, is a necessary requirement for each hunter-taken entry. The correct Entry Affidavit is on the back of all current score charts in use. The hunter’s signature on the Entry Affidavit needs to be notarized by a notary public, or witnessed by a B&C Measurer.
Once a trophy has been measured that makes the minimum score, the Measurer should give the trophy owner an opportunity to thoroughly read the Entry Affidavit. Once the hunter is satisfied that he or she understands and meets all aspects of the Entry Affidavit, he or she should sign it in the presence of the Measurer who should then witness the hunter’s signature. Please note that the Measurer’s signature witnessing an Entry Affidavit on the back of the score chart is in addition to the Measurer’s signature on the score chart verifying his or her measurement.
Canadian trophy owners may have their signature witnessed by an employee of a fish and game department, in lieu of the notary’s or Measurer’s signature. A business card of such an official should be attached to the score chart.
Up to four people can be listed in the records book as the hunter for a single trophy. However, in order to list more than one person, each hunter must submit a signed and witnessed Entry Affidavit, as well as a copy of his or her hunting license/tag, for the trophy being entered.
Each entry that was taken by a hunter must also include a completed Hunter, Guide and Hunt (HGH) form, even if the services of a guide were not employed on the hunt . The hunter simply needs to complete the parts of the HGH form that apply to his particular trophy. The HGH form, and all other required forms, are available from the Measurer, the Records Office, or they can be downloaded from B&C’s web site (www.booneandcrockettclub.com). A copy of this form is included in the Reference Section that follows.
A photocopy of the appropriate hunting license (and/or tags, if applicable) must accompany each entry that was taken by a hunter. If a copy of the license and/or tags is no longer available, the Club will accept a statement from an appropriate Game and Fish Department official who will certify that a license (and any required tags) was possessed by the hunter at the time the trophy was taken. If the Game and Fish Department no longer has records at its disposal to verify the purchase of a license, a written statement, on official letterhead, from Game and Fish personnel stating the fact that the license information is no longer available is acceptable. The records office also requires copies of export permits for trophies transported out of Mexico and Canada.
The Entry Affidavit, Hunter Guide and Hunt Information form, and the hunting license copy, are only required for trophies that are known to have been taken by hunters. Trophy owners submitting picked up trophies, trophies of unknown origin, or trophies taken by deceased hunters are not required to submit these items to complete the entry. These same trophy owners must submit a brief narrative about their trophy and sign and date a Materials Release Form for All Non-Hunter-Taken Trophies
Trophy owners submitting picked up trophies, trophies of unknown origin, or trophies taken by deceased hunters must include a complete and detailed narrative on the history and origin of their trophy.
Trophy owners submitting picked up trophies, trophies of unknown origin, or trophies taken by deceased hunters must sign the Materials Release Form for All Non-Hunter-Taken Trophies on the back of their score chart.
In addition to all of the items previously mentioned, there are several other informational items requested for each entry. The first is an accurate location of kill. All trophies from the lower 48 states are listed in the records books by county and state, while all trophies from Canada and Alaska are listed by geographic location and province or state. Trophies from Mexico are listed by state and country. In cases where a trophy is harvested near a category separation boundary (e.g., mule deer/blacktail deer; grizzly bear/Alaska brown bear; etc.) the exact location of kill, pinpointed by marking an “X” on a map, is required.
Secondly, the Club would like to obtain the age of each trophy if the age was determined by a competent authority. Thirdly, the Club also would like measurers to record the rack or tusk weights (in pounds and ounces) for walrus, caribou, elk, and moose. Complete details for providing age and rack weight information are given on the back of each Hunter, Guide and Hunt Information form that must be submitted with each hunter-taken entry. The age data will likely be useful in managing big-game populations for trophy animals, as well as supporting the case for trophy hunting. The rack and tusk weights can be used to make comparisons between various North American big-game species, as well as comparisons with their counterparts in other parts of the world.
A trophy acceptance certificate (figure 18-A) is presented (free-of-charge) to all trophy owners at the time their trophy is accepted by the records office. These certificates include the name of the trophy owner and hunter (if different); the category and score of the trophy; the date and location of kill; the date the trophy was accepted; and the Awards Program in which it was accepted. Trophy owners who would like additional copies of this certificate or a replacement certificate, can order one by calling B&C’s headquarters or by sending $10 (U.S. funds, postage included), along with a copy of their original acceptance certificate, to the Club’s headquarters. If the original certificate is not available, include your full name and address with your order, as well as your trophy’s category, score, and date of acceptance (or entry period).
B&C has made it possible for trophy owners to memorialize their singularly unique accomplishment of taking a B&C records-book trophy through the acquisition of four different types of plaques, trophy belt buckles, and rings. The oldest and one of the most popular plaques is an 8”X10” walnut-framed shadowbox (figure 18-B) consisting of a black velvet background with a raised, black metal plate that features a rendition of the Club’s logo and the standard certificate information in gold letters. The next is a very handsome and durable, laminated, plaque (figure 18-C) that includes a copy of the full-color acceptance certificate mentioned above. The other two plaques (10.5”x13”) are laser-engraved renditions of the entry score chart with all the trophy’s scoring data. One is made of Cherrywood (figure 18-D) and the other is a classy black-brass metal plate over a solid walnut plaque (figure 18-E). Trophy Belt Buckles and Trophy Rings (figure 18-F) are available with several options, but both include the category and score of the trophy taken by the hunter, as well as a stylized head of the category in which the trophy was accepted. All recognition items can be ordered by calling B&C headquarters. To obtain a catalog with details and ordering information for these recognition items, call B&C headquarters at 406/542-1888 and request a Trophy Memories catalog or check them out on B&C’s web site.
The records department no longer asks Measurers to submit report cards for trophies they score. Instead, Measurers are asked to submit original score charts for all trophies they measure that score within two points of the Awards Program minimums for trophies with horns, antlers, and tusks, and two sixteenths of an inch for all skulls. Before the score charts are forwarded, Measurers should be sure the information box on each form is completely filled in with the location and date of kill, as well as the names of the hunter and owner, and the latter’s address, telephone number, and email address. The score charts of trophies that make minimum scores should be submitted with as many entry materials as possible, including the entry fee. Reimbursement from the trophy owner for postage, envelopes, and photos is acceptable.
This new procedure has several advantages. First, the records office is more effective at detecting people “shopping for scores.” Secondly, submitted score charts are used to solicit missing entry materials from trophy owners whose trophies have been scored, but who have not submitted their trophy within a reasonable time frame. Thirdly, we have been able to finalize entries from people who initially declined to enter their trophy.
Many Measurers prefer, as personal policy, not to release official score forms (or for that matter unofficial copies) until the trophy owner has entered the animal if it meets or exceeds the minimum entry score. It is frustrating to go to the effort of measuring a trophy only to find out later that the individual never completed the entry once he or she returned home. Each time Measurers are renewed, they indicate that they have measured several heads that make the book but the hunter/owner never bothered to enter them.
The percentage of all qualifying trophies that one measures that actually get entered can be increased by proactive efforts. When a trophy owner calls for an appointment, the Measurer should tell them they expect the trophy owner to enter them in B&C if the trophy makes the minimum score for its category. Most say yes at that time. Measurers should then instruct the trophy owner to bring the required photos and a copy of their license and tags with them, as well as the trophy. When trophy owners inquire as to the cost for measuring, advise them there is no charge for the actual measuring and that the entry fee is only $40 (fee subject to change) payable to Boone and Crockett Club. Measurers are encouraged to take the required close-up photos of eligible trophies. Once the trophy is measured, the Measurer should send the original score chart to the Club’s office with as many entry materials as possible. It is okay to give a copy of the score chart to the trophy owner and be reimbursed by that person for postage, copy, and photo costs. In extreme cases, it is okay for measurers to be reimbursed for gas, lodging, and meal costs if it is necessary for them to travel for the trophy owners convenience.
The Boone and Crockett Club receives and processes entries in three year Entry Periods called Awards Programs. At the end of each recording period, scores are finalized and an Awards Program book (e.g. Boone and Crockett Club’s 27th Big Game Awards ) featuring and listing only the trophies accepted during that Awards Program is published. As part of this process, Boone and Crockett Club conducts an Awards Banquet during which the Boone and Crockett Club highly coveted B&C medals and/or certificates are given to top-ranking trophies. The top five or so trophies in each category are invited to a central location where they are remeasured by a select panel of judges. This judging amounts to a verification of scores of the top few trophies received during the previous three year Awards Program. Only those trophies that receive an invitation to the Final Awards Judging, and are sent in and certified by the Judges Panel, are eligible to receive a Place Award.
The specific invitation criteria are:
1. All potential World’s Records, whose score has not been previously verified by a B&C Special Judges Panel, receive an invitation because only an Awards Program Judges Panel or a B&C Special Judges Panel can declare a trophy a new B&C World’s Record. Any potential World’s Record that is not so remeasured and certified by either of these Judges Panels will be asterisked and remain unranked at the bottom of its category until it is seen by a Judges’ Panel or dropped from the Records.
2. All trophies that potentially rank in the all-time top ten of their category, as determined by the listings in the most recent edition of Records of North American Big Game, and any Awards books, also receive an invitation. In an entirely new category with no previously published listing, the top ten entries of that category must be invited.
3.Trophies of “unknown origin,” “picked up,” and hunter-taken trophies owned by someone other than the hunter or an immediate family member of the hunter are not normally invited unless they rank in the all-time top ten since they are not eligible for Place Awards (i.e. First Place, Second Place, etc.). Place Awards are reserved for hunter-taken trophies still owned by the hunter or an immediate family member.
4.In the case of a tie for fifth place all trophies at that score are invited.
5. Fewer than five trophies can be invited if the overall quality, based on entry scores, is too low.
The panel judging serves as a verification process. Certain allowances for shrinkage are made. Trophies retain their original entry score if, during the panel measurement process, the scores obtained fall within preset limits of the original measurement. If the Judges Panel score is higher, then a new, higher score is recorded as the trophy obviously did not shrink. Should a trophy’s score fall below the preset ranges, then too a new, but lower score will be used. These same criteria apply to World’s Records scored by either an Awards Program Judges Panel or a B&C Special Judges Panel. If a Judges Panel score falls within the shrinkage allowances, the entry score stands as final unless a scoring error is found. If scoring errors are found, necessary corrections are made and the final score recalculated.
Panel Judges are selected by the Records Chair and Director of Big Game Records. These individuals are assisted by several Consultants who have been present at several previous panel judging sessions. The Judges Panel is coordinated by a Chairman of Judges selected by the Records Committee. Club policy is that a Measurer may serve as a Panel Judge a maximum of three times. There is no limit on the number of times a Measurer may serve as a Consultant.
Teams of two Judges each, assisted by Consultants, are assigned to measure each trophy submitted to the panel judging. Each trophy is measured a minimum of two times by independent teams. If differences arise, they are resolved by the Consultants and Chairman of Judges. Often this may result in a third remeasurement of the trophy. Judges are selected based on service to the Club, experience, and geographic location. Typically, a minimum of two Measurers are selected from Canadian Provinces to serve on each panel. Upon verification by the Chairman of Judges and the Records Office, the panel scores are final.
The Judges Panel assigns the following awards to the trophies sent for final awards judging:
■ Sagamore Hill Award
■ World’s Record Certification
■ Place Awards
■ Honorable Mention Awards
■ Certificates of Merit
The Judges Panel may, with concurrence of the Club’s officers, award the coveted Sagamore Hill Medal (figure 18-G) if they feel that there is one big game trophy truly worthy of such singular recognition. Since the Club initiated the Big-Game Competitions (later called Awards) in 1947, the prized Sagamore Hill Award has been given at only 16 of the first 26 Awards Programs. The Judges’ decision to present the Sagamore Hill Award is based both on the quality of the trophy and the fair chase aspects of the hunt. To be considered for the Sagamore Hill Award, the trophy must still be owned by the hunter. The Sagamore Hill Award is given in memory of Theodore Roosevelt (the Club’s founder), and his sons Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., and Kermit Roosevelt.
Typical awards (figure 18-H) normally consist of up to five place awards (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th), Honorable Mention, and Certificate of Merit. More place awards may be given if more than five trophies are invited in a given category because of ties, and all qualify for an award. Also, up to 10 Place Awards may be given in the case of a new category where as many as 10 trophies may be invited. The awards themselves are not necessarily assigned to trophies in order of their final scores. There are some very basic criteria that are followed when assigning awards.
First of all, to be eligible for a Place Award (1st, 2nd, etc.) or Honorable Mention a trophy must have been hunter-taken and still owned by the hunter or an immediate family member.
Honorable Mentions are given to trophies if the final score of an invited, hunter-taken trophy drops significantly from its entry score, putting it below the level of other trophies accepted in the Awards Program that could have been invited to the Final Awards Judges Panel.
Certificates of Merit are awarded to trophies entered in the Awards Program by someone other than the hunter or are picked up or of unknown origin.
In addition, those trophies that are indeed sent to the Final Awards Judging and certified there for a Place Award , Honorable Mention, or Certificate or Merit will be featured with a full-page photograph and a story of the hunt in Boone and Crockett Club’s next big game Awards book.
Recognizing the fact that many trophies continue to shrink after they are initially scored by a Measurer, and before they are rescored by a B&C Judges Panel, the Records Committee developed a shrinkage allowance for each category. This rule basically states that a trophy’s score remains at its entry score if the Judges Panel score falls within the established shrinkage allowance for its category unless the Judges find a scoring error. In such cases, all of the measurements may remain the same to account for shrinkage except for the corrected errors and the score recalculated.
The rule goes on to say that if the Judges Panel score is above the entry score, or below the shrinkage allowance, that trophy will be assigned the Judges Panel score. The shrinkage allowance rule applies to all trophies scored by any Judges Panel. The actual shrinkage allowance amount for each category will remain confidential to protect the integrity of this system.
The B&C Special Judges Panel was created by the Records Committee with the express purpose of verifying and announcing potential new World’s Records as they are submitted during any triennial Awards Program. A B&C Special Judges Panel consists of the chair of the Records Committee and three other Official Measurers with preference being given to those with previous experience as Judges. A B&C Special Judges Panel will be convened at the trophy owners option whenever a potential new World’s Record is entered so that trophy does not have to wait to have its score verified by the next Awards Program Judges Panel.
Regardless of whether or not a trophy is verified as a new World’s Record by the B&C Special Judges Panel, its score is final. Trophies declared World’s Records by a B&C Special Judges Panel will receive a special plaque indicating that it is a World’s Record.
All trophies submitted for verification to a B&C Special Judges Panel are required to be displayed at the next Awards Program trophy exhibit. The trophy owner must agree in advance to this stipulation, or his trophy will not be rescored by a B&C Special Judges Panel. Trophies that are rescored by the B&C Special Judges Panel are eligible for Boone and Crockett Club medals and certificates, including the coveted Sagamore Hill Award at the next Awards Program without being rescored again.
Many people want to know why there are asterisked trophies in the records books. Asterisked trophies are those that were invited to come before an Awards Program Judges Panel but did not do so and thus have not had their final scores verified by either the Judges Panel or by two additional, independent official measurements. These trophies will remain asterisked and unranked at the bottom of their category until such time that their final scores are verified or they are dropped from the records. If the scores are not verified, they will appear in one Awards book and one All-time book and then will be dropped from future books.
Basically, B&C publishes three different records books – the Awards Program records book, the All-time records book, and category records books. The Awards Program book includes trophies meeting the lower Awards Program minimums that have been accepted three years prior to the date of publication. The All-time records book is a cumulative list of all trophies accepted prior to is publication that meet the All-time minimums. The category records books, such as Records of North American Whitetail Deer, are published on an irregular basis as time permits.
The Awards Program records books with titles like, Boone and Crockett Club’s 26th Big Game Awards, are published the year following a three year Awards Program. The All-time records books titled, Records of North American Big Game, are published every six years, incorporating the all-time trophies listed in the two previous Awards books.