How to score a buck?

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There has been loads of TALK about this buck and that scoring big numbers and hoping to kill this size buck or that age buck this season. BSK already did a GREAT thread on educating hunters on how to properly age a deer in the field.

So why not some examples (again?) on how to score a buck?

How about we post some mounted bucks with their ACTUAL GROSS score. NOT AN ESTIMATE...ONLY BUCKS THAT HAVE HAD AN ACTUAL TAPE PUT ON THEIR ANTLERS AND A SCORE SHEET.This eliminates field pics as they are kinda hard to get to hold still while you put a tape on them.

I suggest we put in a pic with GROSS score under it.

Go ahead...I can't wait to see some of these bucks. Also, ANY STATE.

BTW, could someone post an actual P/Y or B/C score sheet?
 
Alright,let's try this. Without the benefit of tape or antlers in hand...
What do you THINK this buck scores

11pt.jpg
 
BTW...there is a VERY good clue in this picture. EVERY deer has two.
Also, it is a main frame CLEAN ten point.
 
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If you want this to be an informational thread, I'd vote to get rid of the guessing game. The score is going to end up on a different page as the photo potentially. I'd prefer to see just a picture(s) and the score.
 
Here is another view.


picsfrom2010and2011deerseason032.jpg


Keep in mind this buck dressed out at about 150 pounds. It was a long and big bodies buck.

My point is this...why don't we use this thread to post bucks that we KNOW what they scored so we may educate others as to what it takes to SCORE BIG in antlers.

BTW, it scored 110 inches.
 
I didn't want to affend you, so I didn't post my thoughts. I thought he would score around 115" due to his good tine length. Him being narrow, looks like 10-12" wide, and not much mass. once again good buck, but didn't want to affend you.
 
HH,
I take no offense. Why would I be offended with a score number guess? I've killed much bigger, and much smaller.

And you are right, it IS a good example of high grading. But this is what happens a few days before the Illinois GUN opener, with limited time and VERY low light. I actually shot him based on body size and the fact that I thought he was mature. At 3.5 on public land, I doubt he would have survived the week end. And frankly did not care, he was big enough for me.

I am not a proponent of letting bucks walk, UNLESS that is what helps you get the enjoyment you need out of your hunting experience.

I do not care WHAT you or ANYONE else kills, as long as it is LEGAL and makes you happy.
 
O-k...back to posting antler scores.

Surely someone else has a scored buck to post.

Let's see some more of those 130's, 140's, and 150,s we all keep hearing about.

By the way, can anyone tell me what PERCENTAGE of antler scoring represents about 68% of the gross score?
 
102 said:
By the way, can anyone tell me what PERCENTAGE of antler scoring represents about 68% of the gross score?
Click to expand...
68%. :D On a serious note, beam and tine length. Basically, the sum of both main beams length and total tine length (all tines) will equal about 64-68% of the gross score. This has checked out with most of the bucks I have killed/scored. I have killed a few with above average mass that skewed these percentages somewhat.
 
RIGHT ON Andy, but from you, I expected no less!

Yes, TINE LENGTH!!! If a buck is walking toward you, and LOOKS like it has LONG tines, then it is probably going to score fairly high.

In theory:
it can have TEN pencil thin, 8, 10, and 12 inch points, with average tine length and spread, and it will score pretty well.

On the other hand, it can have really good mass, and spread, and main beam length, with stubby short points, and score low.

TINE LENGTH...TINE LENGTH...TINE LENGTH...

Of course it may still be a 3.5 year old (stir stir)
 
So about TEN percent is SPREAD Credit and only ABOUT 30 percent is MASS.

Remember when you are sizing up a buck's antlers on the hoof, and you only have a few seconds, a good rule of thumb...65/25/10 or my personal favorite...70 percent tine length!!!

Now how about some of yalls buck scores!!!
 
102 said:
On the other hand, it can have really good mass, and spread, and main beam length, with stubby short points, and score low.

TINE LENGTH...TINE LENGTH...TINE LENGTH...

Of course it may still be a 3.5 year old (stir stir)
Click to expand...

Most of the time. Trying to find the picture of a deer we killed.

Longest tine was a hair over 7", typical 10 with a 1 1/8" kicker. He grossed 135" and some change. Heaviest mass deer I've seen around here with 25" beams. He was definately an exception and 5.5yr old was his age.
 
102 said:
HH,
I do not care WHAT you or ANYONE else kills, as long as it is LEGAL and makes you happy.
Click to expand...

Exactly! I have killed much smaller deer too! I have killed smaller deer by accident in the last few years and smaller deer alot when I was younger.

I just meant if I came in way low, it might offend someone. A deer is what he is and we can't change that.
That is about as pretty of a buck as you will ever find!
 

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