One of the most popular questions I receive each fall is how to score a whitetail deer. Scoring deer is not an exact science but there are general guidelines that can be followed. The Boone and Crockett Club is the official record-keeper for big game animals in North America and they use the following scoring method:
The deer’s antlers are measured for total length inside spread greatest spread and number of points.
The deer’s skull is measured for length and width.
The deer’s body is measured for girth.
After the deer is measured a point value is assigned to each characteristic. The scores for the antlers skull and body are added together to come up with the deer’s total score.
Here are the measurements that are used and the corresponding point values:
Total length of antlers – 4 points
Inside spread of antlers – 2 points
Greatest spread of antlers – 1 point
Number of points on antlers – 1 point per point
Length of skull – 1 point
Width of skull – 1 point
Girth of body – 1 point
Using this scoring method the highest possible score for a whitetail deer is 210 points.
There are other methods of scoring deer but the Boone and Crockett Club’s method is the most widely used. If you are planning on entering your deer into the club’s record book be sure to use their scoring method.
If you’re just curious about how big your deer is any scoring method will do. Get a tape measure a friend and start measuring!
What are the four general categories for scoring a whitetail deer?
The four general categories for scoring a whitetail deer are antlers body and symmetry.
How many points are in each category?
There are ten points in each category.
How many points are in the antler category?
There are ten points in the antler category.
How many points are in the body category?
There are ten points in the body category.
How many points are in the symmetry category?
There are ten points in the symmetry category.
How is the final score determined?
The final score is determined by adding up the points from each category.
How many points are in a typical whitetail deer?
A typical whitetail deer has 30 points.
How many points are in a trophy whitetail deer?
A trophy whitetail deer has 60 points.
What is the minimum score for a whitetail deer?
The minimum score for a whitetail deer is 20 points.
What is the maximum score for a whitetail deer?
The maximum score for a whitetail deer is 100 points.
What is the world record score for a whitetail deer?
The world record score for a whitetail deer is 213 points.
How can I find out the score for my whitetail deer?
You can find out the score for your whitetail deer by taking it to a taxidermist or a wildlife biologist.
What are the four methods for scoring a whitetail deer?
The four methods for scoring a whitetail deer are live weight hoof weight dressed weight and field dressed weight.
What is the difference between the four methods for scoring a whitetail deer?
The difference between the four methods for scoring a whitetail deer is the amount of weight that is deducted for the edible portions of the deer.
Which method is the most accurate?
The most accurate method is the live weight method.
