How to Measure Whitetail Antlers

Measuring whitetail antlers will give your trophy buck an accurate score.

The crisp, cool air of an autumn morning ushers in thoughts of trophy whitetail bucks for many hunting enthusiasts. Whitetail are one of the most popular species with hunters due to its large antlers. The antlers, or racks as they are more commonly called, are graded on how large they are and how many points they have. Measuring whitetail antlers is the only true way to know just how large a trophy rack really is.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Notepad
• Pencil
• Calculator

Instructions

1. Lay your antlers on a flat surface, such as a table or work bench. Measuring the rack will be simpler if it does not move as you measure it.

2. Count the number of points on each side of the antlers, and measure their length. A point is a projection that rises up at least 1 inch from the main branch of the antler. Make sure to write down the number of points, as well as each of the following measurements, for an accurate rack size.

3. Measure the tip to tip spread of the antlers and record this on your notepad. The tip to tip spread is the measurement between the first two points on the main branches of the antlers.

4. Determine the width of the greatest spread of the antlers. The greatest spread is the measurement between the outermost edges of the two widest points.

5. Take the measurement of the inside spread of the two large main beams. Run the tape measure from the inside edge of the main beam on the left side to the inside edge of the right main beam. Hold the tape measure as close to the inner edge as possible for the most accurate figure.

6. Measure the length of any abnormal points. Abnormal points are those that do not grow from the top of the main beams, and are often found on the underside of the beam or growing sideways from the beams.

7. Hold the end of the measuring tape at the base of the main beam on the right side and measure to the farthest edge. Repeat on the left beam to get the length of each beam.

8. Use the tape to measure the circumference of the main beam between the first four points. Measure the circumference between the base of the antlers and the first point, between the first and second points, between the second and third points, and between the third and fourth points.

9. Add all of the measurements together to get the score of your whitetail antlers. Make sure to include the number of points in your addition for an accurate score.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your local fish and wildlife department if your score is 160 or greater. Most state records are in this range, and you may have a record-breaking whitetail if your score it at or above this figure.

References

• Boone and Crockett Club: Scoring Your Trophy
• Hunt Stats: Scoring Your Whitetail Buck