Measuring Typical Whitetail Antlers

Note: All measurements must be made with a 1/4inch wide flexible steel tape to the nearest one-eighth of an inch. A flexible steel cable can be used to measure points and main beams only. Enter fractional figures in eighths, without reduction. Official measurements cannot be taken until the antlers have air dried at a habitable room temperature for at least 60 days after the animal was killed. The 60-day drying period for a trophy that has been frozen or boiled begins the day it is removed from the freezer, boiling pot, or submersion in any liquid.

* Number of Points on Each Antler: To be counted a point, the projection must be at least one inch long, with the length exceeding width at one inch or more of length. All points are measured from tip of point to nearest edge of beam as illustrated. Beam tip is counted as a point but not measured as a point. Point totals do not add into the final score.

* Tip to Tip Spread: Measured between tips of main beams. Tip to tip spread does not add into the final score.

* Greatest Spread: Measured between perpendiculars at a right angle to the center line of the skull at widest part, whether across main beams or points. Greatest spread does not add into the final score.

* Inside Spread of Main Beams: Measured at a right angle to the center line of the skull at widest point between main beams. Enter this measurement again as the spread credit if it is less than or equal to the length of the longer main beam; if greater, enter longer main beam length for spread credit.

* Total of Lengths of all Abnormal Points: Abnormal Points are those non-typical in location (such as points originating from a point or from bottom or sides of main beam) or extra points beyond the normal pattern of points. Measure in usual manner and enter in appropriate blanks.

* Length of Main Beam: Measured from the center of the lowest outside edge of burr over the outer side to the most distant point of the main beam. The point of beginning is that point on the burr where the center line along the outer side of the beam intersects the burr, then following generally the line of the illustration.

* Length of Normal Points: Normal points project from the top of the main beam. They are measured from nearest edge of main beam over outer curve to tip. Lay the tape along the outer curve of the beam so that the top edge of the tape coincides with the top edge of the beam on both sides of the point to determine the baseline for point measurements. Record point lengths in appropriate blanks.

* Circumferences: Measured as detailed in illustration for each measurement. If brow point is missing, take H-1 and H-2 at smallest place between burr and G-2. If G-4 is missing, take H-4 halfway between G-3 and tip of main beam.

Source: Boone and Crockett Club