What You’ll Need to Score Like a Pro

Scoring deer antlers isn’t rocket science, but a few basics keep it honest. Head to your local outfitter or dig through the garage—no need to break the bank.

• Flexible measuring tape: 1/4-inch wide steel tape, at least 36 inches long.
• Score sheet: Download a free B&C Whitetail Score Chart PDF—it’s your cheat sheet.
• Notebook or app: For jotting 1/8-inch increments. Apps like BuckScore can eyeball it from photos too.
• Steady hands and patience: Antlers need 60 days to dry post-harvest for official scores.

Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Deer Antlers

Stick to the Boone & Crockett system—it’s the gold standard for whitetails when learning how to score deer antlers. Measure both sides (left and right), and remember: All points 1 inch or longer count. We’ll hit gross score first (total without deductions), then net. All measurements are to the nearest 1/8 inch using a 1/4-inch wide flexible steel tape. Let’s break it down super simple, one piece at a time.

1. Measure the Main Beams
   The main beams are the big curving parts from the base to the tips. Think of them as the backbone of your score.
   1. Step 1: Find the burr—that’s the bumpy, swollen spot where the antler meets the skull. Start measuring at the center of the lowest outside edge of the burr.
   2. Step 2: Run your tape along the outside curve of the beam, following the natural outer line (imagine Line F on a diagram—it’s the longest path without going inward). Go all the way to the very tip of the beam.
   3. Step 3: Do this for both the left and right beams, then add the two lengths together. This is your base score chunk.

   Tip: Don’t cut corners—follow the curve exactly, or you’ll shortchange yourself. Common mistake: Starting too high on the burr, which makes it shorter.

   

   For official diagrams, check the B&C Whitetail Scoring Page.

2. Inside Spread Credit
   This is the width between the two main beams at their widest—it’s like the “wingspan” that adds easy points without much work.
   1. Step 1: Look straight down the center line of the skull (imagine a line splitting the head in half).
   2. Step 2: Find the widest spot between the insides of the two main beams. Measure perpendicular (at a perfect 90-degree angle) to that center line.
   3. Step 3: If this spread is wider than your longest main beam, you can only credit it up to the length of that longest beam—no bonus for super-wide racks beyond that.

   Tip: Use a straight edge or level to keep it perpendicular. Common mistake: Measuring at an angle, which slims it down.

   Pro hack: This is often the easiest add-on—don’t skip it!

3. Tine Lengths (G Measurements)
   Tines are the sticking-out points. For a “typical” rack, we label the main ones G1 through G4. G1 is the brow tine (closest to the base), G2 next, and so on up the beam.
   1. Step 1: For each tine, find where it joins the main beam—that’s your baseline.
   2. Step 2: Drop a perpendicular line straight down from the outer curve of the main beam to the tip of the tine. (Lay the tape so its top edge matches the beam’s top edge on both sides of the tine.)
   3. Step 3: Measure from that join point, over the outer curve if needed, to the very tip. Only count tines 1 inch or longer. If a tine is in the wrong spot (like growing from below or sideways), it’s “abnormal”—measure it separately (see step 5).

   Tip: The beam tip counts as a point but isn’t measured as one. Common mistake: Measuring straight instead of perpendicular, missing length.

   Add up all normal tines from both sides.

4. Circumferences (H Measurements)
   These measure the “girth” or thickness of the antlers—bigger is better for mass points!
   1. Step 1: Measure the smallest circumference in each section. H1: Between the burr and G1 (or halfway if no G1). H2: Between G1 and G2. H3: Between G2 and G3. H4: Between G3 and beam tip (or halfway if no G3).
   2. Step 2: Wrap the tape snugly around the antler at that narrowest spot—don’t squish it.
   3. Step 3: Do this for four spots on each side (left and right), then add them up.

   Tip: If a tine is missing, adjust the sections accordingly. Common mistake: Measuring at the widest instead of narrowest—always go smallest for honesty.

   This adds up quick for heavy beams.

5. Abnormal Points
   These are the wild cards—extra points that don’t fit the typical pattern, like ones growing from the bottom, sides, or even off other points.
   1. Step 1: Spot any projection 1 inch or longer that’s not in the standard G1-G4 spots.
   2. Step 2: Measure just like normal tines: From tip to the nearest edge of the beam it’s attached to.
   3. Step 3: Add their lengths to your gross score (the big total). But for a “typical” net score, subtract them (and any matching on the other side) to keep it clean. For “non-typical” scoring, they stay in and boost you big time!

   Tip: Decide typical vs. non-typical early—non-typical often scores higher with extras. Common mistake: Forgetting to measure them at all.

   Got a freak rack? Embrace the abnormal for glory.

Once you’ve got all these, tally the gross (everything added), then deduct mismatches between sides for the net. For a full visual guide with figures, download the free B&C Score Chart PDF.

Gross vs. Net Score: What’s the Difference?

Gross is your raw total: beams + spread + tines + circs + abnormals. It’s the “dream score” before reality bites.

Net subtracts asymmetries (e.g., if left G2 is 10″ and right is 8″, deduct 2″) and abnormals for typical racks. Aim for 170+ net typical or 195+ non-typical to hit B&C glory. Dive deeper at the official Boone & Crockett site.

Like our take on poached trophies? Read Waste Not: Utah Auctions Poached Trophies for the wild side of antler world.

Tips to Nail Your Deer Antler Score Every Time

We’ve all botched a measurement mid-beer—don’t be that guy. Here’s the straight dope:

• Dry those antlers 60+ days; green scores shrink 10-20%.
• Measure in good light—shadows lie.
• Practice on sheds or buddies’ racks; accuracy comes with reps.
• Go non-typical if extras pop—those can skyrocket your score.
• Certify with a measurer for records; DIY’s fun, but official’s forever.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions on Scoring Deer Antlers