Think you've got a big-game trophy animal?  Here's how to get it scored and entered into the record books

January 6, 2016

by Phil Cooper and Roger Phillips Idaho Fish and Game Most big-game hunts are over and stories are circulating about some big trophies that were taken during the fall hunting seasons, including a possible state-record moose. Many hunters are excited to have their trophies officially measured, but others are unaware of the scoring system for antlers, horns, and skulls of big game animals, unsure how to get them measured, and what to do with the scores. To be officially measured under rules of the Boone and Crockett Club (animals taken with modern firearms), Pope and Young (archery), or Longhunter Society (muzzleloader), all antlers, horns and skulls must dry at room temperature for a minimum of 60 days. They can be stored in a freezer short term, but must also air dry for at least 60 days. All antlers, horns and skulls should also be cleaned and odorless if they are to be scored. Boone and Crockett Club has a list of measurers in Idaho on its website at http://www.boone-crockett.org/. Look for "Find an Official Measurer" under the "Big Game Records" tab. (Direct link: http://www.boone-crockett.org/bgRecords/records_omlist.asp?area=bgRecords). You can find more measurers at http://pope-young.org/. Some Fish and Game employees are official measurers, so you can also call your regional Fish and Game office to see if any are available. Certified measurers will use the scoring system appropriate for the animal. Those that meet the minimums for the method of take are eligible for entry into the respective record books. Record books include all-time, and largest animals from recent years. Boone and Crockett Club, Pope and Young, and Longhorn Society will not enter into their records any animals taken from game farms or high-fenced enclosures. All animals entered also must be taken lawfully under fair-chase conditions to be considered for the record books. Questions and answers about measuring animals: Q: Does Idaho also compile big-game records? A: Yes. Fish and Game recognizes wild, big-game animals taken in Idaho. The records are updated annually in May, and are listed on Fish and Game's website. The minimum scores for entry are the same for archery, rifle, muzzleloader and "pick-up" entries. To enter a trophy into the Idaho records you must submit an application by April 1, along with a copy of the complete, official score sheet signed by the measurer. To get a form, go to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ and look for "Big Game" and "Records" under the Hunting tab. (Direct link: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/lookupBgRecords.cfm). There is no fee to enter an animal into the Idaho record books. Q: Is scoring based solely on size? A: In terms of skulls, yes. But with antlers, size and symmetry are combined to derive a score. Deer and elk are ranked under two categories: typical and non-typical, so antlers with excessive points are ranked separately from typical ones. Q: Does it cost to have antlers, horns, etc. measured? A: No, not to be measured, but there is a fee if you want to enter them for consideration into Boone and Crocket, Pope and Young, or Longhorn Society record books. Q: Is measuring and scoring animals just an ego thing? A: No. Hunters take obvious pride in collecting trophy-sized animals, but having them measured and recorded also provides a yardstick for the health of big game herds in Idaho and nationally and a long-term database that shows where trophy-sized animals originate.