Whitetail Deer Scoring Calculator
Enter measurements in inches (e.g., 12.5) to calculate the Gross and Net green score.
How to Score a Whitetail Deer
Scoring a deer is a standardized method used by organizations like the Boone and Crockett Club and the Pope and Young Club to evaluate the quality of a buck's antlers. The process involves four primary categories: the inside spread, the length of the main beams, the length of individual tines (G-measurements), and the mass or circumference of the beams (H-measurements).
Inside Spread: This is the widest distance between the main beams, measured perpendicular to the center line of the skull. This measurement cannot exceed the length of the longest main beam.
Measuring the Tines (G1-G4)
Tines are the points growing off the main beam. They are measured from the top edge of the main beam to the tip of the point.
- G1: The brow tine.
- G2: The second point (usually the longest on many deer).
- G3: The third point.
- G4: The fourth point (found on typical 10-point racks).
Mass Measurements (H1-H4)
Mass is measured at four specific locations on each antler beam. Even if the deer is an 8-pointer and lacks certain tines, you still take four circumference measurements at the smallest points between the existing tines.
Gross vs. Net Score
The Gross Score is the total sum of all measurements. It represents the actual amount of bone the deer grew. The Net Score is the Gross Score minus the differences between the left and right sides. Symmetry is highly valued in official record books; therefore, if the left G2 is 10 inches and the right G2 is 8 inches, a 2-inch deduction is applied to the Net Score.
Example Calculation
Imagine a buck with a 15″ inside spread. The left beam is 20″ and the right beam is 21″. The tines and mass measurements total 50″ on the left and 48″ on the right.
Gross Score: 15 (spread) + 20 + 21 + 50 + 48 = 154″
Deductions: 1″ (beam difference) + 2″ (tine/mass differences) = 3″
Net Score: 151″