KaibabHunter Report post Posted July 24, 2012 I searched but couldn't find old posts on the subject but I'm sure some exist. I'm not hung up on score, but say you had a very sweet tag and the possiblity of 200" bucks in your area and many "lesser" (say 160"-180") bucks that would normally be shooters. What makes you recognize and pass the 185" buck (something I would have a very hard time doing) vs a low 200" buck. Pics to illustrate would be very helpful. Here's one of mine to kick it off, what class do you think he falls. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted July 24, 2012 Well, I stink at this, but I need to learn how as well. I always look first at the width of the frame, then how deep the forks are, front and back, then mass, then junk. The muley in pic has a great frame - looks really wide. Mass looks OK and fork depth is a little weak. So if I had to guess a score I would have to put him around high 170s to mid 180s. Don't get me wrong, that is a gorgeous buck. If I saw that buck anywhere in the state besides the Kaibab I'd shoot him opening day with weapon, if I didn't have a heart attack first. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
200"mulie Report post Posted July 24, 2012 Eastman journal or there videos have good info. I think the basic is look for long main beams, widith (outside his ears), and deep front forks, mass always helps. The above pic is hard to see his front fork but looks like its a shallow fork. But looks like he's outside the ears. I would put him around 150's I would pass if this was a unit that had 190+ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLW Report post Posted July 24, 2012 Well, I stink at this, but I need to learn how as well. I always look first at the width of the frame, then how deep the forks are, front and back, then mass, then junk. The muley in pic has a great frame - looks really wide. Mass looks OK and fork depth is a little weak. So if I had to guess a score I would have to put him around high 170s to mid 180s. Don't get me wrong, that is a gorgeous buck. If I saw that buck anywhere in the state besides the Kaibab I'd shoot him opening day with weapon, if I didn't have a heart attack first. I suck at this too.... you really think it would score that high with th short backs???? front are a little short as well. from what I have read tine length is real important to score high. I think you need to remember distance between the ears and ears tip to tip to help get your #s close. I can never remember tip to tip on an average mule deer, I want to say 23" or 26" but I could be wrong and 9 or 11" between the ears??? use average #s to help judge your tine length and antlers outside the ears add to the average tip to tip ears. for mass I think I read that the eye is 1" across or 4" in diameter again my #s could be off. someone here knows and can tell me I'm an idiot...... James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coueshunter Report post Posted July 24, 2012 The buck in the picture is not over 170. Most guys havent seen a 200" buck so while you would love one, if you have a 185 buck in your sights (especially if its a typical) you better shoot it. Getting a good feel on bucks rough scores can come from looking at mounts, magazine pictures and scoring a few heads yourself. It really is something you should get comfortable with if score is important, or you will never know "what that buck scores" for sure. Mass is another huge thing in looking at score.............Allen....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kaffer62 Report post Posted July 24, 2012 Yeah I would put him in the 150's as well. He has pretty shallow forks. Looks like he has a good frame though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted July 24, 2012 Wow - I way over shot it! Looks like I gave him an extra 20 inches. So, maybe for myself, the best way to guage if it's over 185 is if I lose control of my bowels when I see it. Told you I stink at this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted July 24, 2012 Double post removed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hornhunter247 Report post Posted July 24, 2012 Judging a big muley is tough, and bigger ones are tougher! First thing I look at is his frame. I like a buck to be at least as wide as his ears, you can lose or gain +-5"s on inside width alone. Next I look at his beam and forks. I want to see his main beam to be around the tip of his nose. With the forks I want the g4 to be at least half way up the back fork and the back fork to be 6"s deep. Mass is hard to tell sometimes but heavy bucks just look it. Brow tines also will make or break a score. The best way to learn is to measure heads n sheds. You'll get yourself in the ballpark pretty fast! The buck above looks to be around the mid 160's, great looking frame but time length is just not there. Good luck and don't get hung up on scores! The biggest buck I've ever had a chance at is still on the kiabab alive and well because I got hung up on "judging" him. I still lose sleep 2 years later! Lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BOHNTR Report post Posted July 25, 2012 Photos can be tough at times to judge without multiple angles, but from the one posted above, I woundn't estimate him to score over 150" net. Probably net in the uper 140's. Week G4's and G3's, and below average mass. MB lenght is less than average as well. Probably looking at a 3 year deer, IMO. Most big mule deer (190+) are ones that will take your breath away. I've seen and offically measured quite a few over the years. Here's an example of a big buck. If you're loooking for one to meet or surpass that 200" mark........this one would do: Here's one that netted in the 190's: Here's a buck that measured in the low 180's: One that netted in the low 170's: As you can see, the caliber of buck (tine length, etc.) it takes to even net in the 170's takes a lot. Compare these with the original photo provided and it gives you a beter guage to judge by. All of the bucks I posted have been taken, and eventually officially measured to igve a more accurate reference for you. Hopefully this helps a bit for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KaibabHunter Report post Posted July 25, 2012 Great info by all and thx for the pics Roy. What's everyones experience with velvet bucks and how it makes a buck look bigger, at least mass wise than he really may be? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
reganranch Report post Posted July 25, 2012 Those are all great photos bowhntr were all those bucks taken out of the gene pool? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trophyhnter Report post Posted July 25, 2012 +1 on what BOHNTR said, not because I am good and field judging but because I have personally seen and held deer that looked huge to me! The two that come to mind are an early Kiabab hunt that we had in 05. The buck was a 4x4 with a width of 27" (measured by G&F), deep tall forks, and good mass. They said it would score 180 plus/minus 5! I can say that it was HUGE in my eyes and I likely would have said is was 200" if I had seen it on the hoof. My friend shoot a 31" (measured by G&F) 4x4 that green scored 197 and some change (late Kiabab '11). The difference between the two is night and day. I would say that a buck that takes your breath away is a very accurate statement of a true giant!) I would like to post pics of both but the hunters do not like thier photos on the web! Bohnter, How much did the buck you shot during the archery hunt on the strip score? Its a dandy! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kaffer62 Report post Posted July 25, 2012 Here is another deer to help give you some more to look at..... I would have guessed this deer to be in the mid to high 160's Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BOHNTR Report post Posted July 25, 2012 Bohnter,How much did the buck you shot during the archery hunt on the strip score? Its a dandy! The second photo I posted is the buck I arrowed in 08 on the Strip. He grossed 197" and netted 191 2/8" officially. Those are all great photos bowhntr were all those bucks taken out of the gene pool? Yes.......the last two bucks were taken in CA and later I had the opportunity to officially measure them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
