The field judging material in this book is a combination of original thoughts, based upon years afield, and those generally accepted criteria for judging trophies under field conditions. In no way is this the only means by which to judge trophies, nor are these necessarily the final words upon the subject. However, it is unlikely that any better cross-section of experts on trophy evaluation has ever been assembled than those contributing to this section. The contributors have spent a collective total of several centuries afield after trophy game.
John H. Batten – the late dean of sheep hunters today, authored several major trophy hunting books including The Best of Sheep Hunting and Skyline Pursuits. He was a long-time member of the Records of North American Big Game Committee, and a long-time Official Measurer and Final Awards Judge.
Craig Boddington – a professional member and long-time editorial contributor to the Boone and Crockett Club, Boddington has written numerous hunting and gun books. He has served in the U.S. Marine Corps for nearly 30 years.
Eldon “Buck” Buckner – Former Forest Service wildlife staff, pronghorn hunter, guide, outdoor writer, shooting instructor, and Official Measurer for over 35 years, and current chairman of the Club’s Records of North American Big Game Committee.
Lynn Castle – well-known Alaska guide and writer, with a number of his own trophies placed in the records books, as well as many for clients.
Frank Cook – the late hunter for the all-time number two Dall’s sheep and a long-time member of the Records of North American Big Game Committee. He was a veteran Official Measurer and Final Awards Judge many times.
Jay Lesser – Custom gun builder. Well-known Wyoming outfitter. Board member of the Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association for three terms. Outdoor writer for several large gun and hunting publications.
Wm. Harold Nesbitt – Former Executive Director of the Boone and Crockett Club, Editor and/or Co-editor of several records book(s), an Official Measurer, and former Secretary of the Records of North American Big Game Committee.
Glenn St. Charles – Founder and Senior Member of the Pope and Young Club, a long-time Official Measurer and Final Awards Judge, and member of the Records of North American Big Game Committee.
Jim Shockey – Well-known Canadian outfitter for huge black bears and whitetails. Outdoor writer and the first person to take the “Ultimate Slam,” 30 North American animals with a muzzleloader, all qualifying for the muzzleloader record book.
Dr. Robert E. Speegle – renowned world-wide hunter, Weatherby Award Winner, and former member of the Records of North American Big Game Committee.
Dr. Philip L. Wright former Chairman of the Records of North American Big Game Committee, well-known mammalogist, co-editor for the All-time records book, and frequent Final Awards Judge. The late Dr. Wright was one of the original Official Measurers appointed by the Club when the current records-keeping system was adopted in 1950.
With each category, photos of both the current World’s Record and a minimum score specimen have been included. With this visual representation of both the greatest expression of trophy character known, as well as the minimum expression required for entry in the Club’s Awards Program, it is anticipated that the reader will have a much better idea of what to look for in a trophy animal. ■