An un-official score sheet follows these instructions, Please scroll down. The following are very basic and generalized instructions on how to score a typical deer’s rack. This will not qualify you to score racks for anyone but yourself. For starters it would be good to understand the basic nomenclature of Buckmasters Scoring System. Burr: the burr is the knurled and knobby root or base of the antler at the top of the head or pedicle. P1 , 2 , 3 etc.: these numbers refer to the typical points in order from the burr to the tip of the beam. The Beam: the beams are the primary formation of antler from the burr to the tip. I1 , 2 , 3 etc.: these numbers refer to the irregular points on a rack. (points which do not grow in a typical fashion) C1 , 2 , 3 , 4: these numbers refer to the four circumference measurements taken on each typical main beam. Circumferences are the smallest measurement at each location. Left and Right beams: this is determined by facing the same way the deer would be facing, then your right and its right would be the same. Baseline: this is a mark determined by straight edge and pencil to denote the starting point for measuring typical and irregular points. It is established at the place where the point emerges from the main beam or another point. (see drawing) The Buckmasters Scoring System measures all the antler and credits it to the rack, there are no deductions. We measure the inside spread, the outside spread and the tip to tip measurement, but these numbers are not included in the total. We will take these measurements first as they allow us to judge the size of a rack without seeing it firsthand. Next we will measure the length of each main beam. This is best done with a 1/8 inch diameter cable as it is very flexible and conforms to the curves of the antler. If not available, anything reasonably flexible could substitute. The measurement is taken by starting at the lowest point on the burr, and holding our cable to the center of the beam along the outside curve and continue to the tip. The cable can then be marked and placed on a ruler and the measurement recorded as right or left main beam. Now we should determine which points are typical and which are irregular. This should be fairly obvious most of the time. If there are a large number of irregular points, it would be wise to mark each one with masking tape and number them accordingly. This done, each one can be measured from its point of origin to its tip and recorded each on its own side. Next we will determine the base of each point and measure it accordingly. The bases of points are determined by laying a straight edge along the top of the main beam and around each point, then a line is scribed with pencil to note the starting point or Baseline for the subsequent measurement. The length of the points are then taken along the outside curve from the starting point to the tip of the point and recorded in the places marked P1, P2, etc. P1 is the first typical point on the main beam counting from the burr. Irregular points should also be numbered from the burr outward and measured from a baseline along their place of origin. Finally the circumferences are to be taken and recorded. Four circumferences are to be taken on each main beam. C1 is the smallest circumference between the burr and the first typical point (P1). This is accomplished by wrapping a flexible tape around the beam. The C2 is the smallest circumference between the first typical point (P1) and the second typical point (P2). C3 is the smallest circumference between the second typical point (P2) and the third typical point (P3). C4 is the smallest circumference between the third typical point (P3) and the fourth typical point (P4). If there is no P3 or P4 then the circumferences become more complicated but they are still taken. However, ‘where’, becomes a concern. If you are scoring a rack with three typical points to a side, including the tip of the main beam, then the first 2 circumferences will be OK. However it will be necessary to divide the remaining length of the main beam into thirds, and the C3 and C4 measurements will be taken at these 1/3 rd marks (see illustration). If you are scoring a rack with 4 typical points to a side, including the tip of the main beam, then the C1, C2, and C3 measurements will be OK, but it will be necessary to divide the remaining length of main beam in half and the C4 measurement will be taken at that half mark. Hope this helps get you started, and as I said at the beginning, these are only the basic rules. Good Luck! Ed.

This is an Un-official score sheet, by entering your measurements in the correct places you can unofficially score your own buck and see if it meets the minimum score for BTR entry (140 inches for all firearms entries and 105 inches for all bow and arrow and crossbow entries). If your whitetail trophy meets the minimum score requirements, see the list of Official BTR Scorers in your state and have it officially entered in the Buckmasters Whitetail Trophy Records. With each official entry, you will receive a handsome , frameable, full color BTR Award Certificate, as well as having a listing in the next Buckmasters Record Book. For information about having your rack entered into the Buckmasters Whitetail Trophy Records, or for information about becoming an Official Buckmasters Scorer, email Ed Waite Regional Director