Monster Bull Elk

RMEF offers field tips for judging elk

MISSOULA, MT -- A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare. When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. But not always. Sometimes there's ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime.

Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one?

"All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. Big headgear is a product of genetics, age and nutrition provided by great habitat," said David Allen, president and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. "Learning to field judge antlers will help you understand even more about the elk you're looking at, whether it's one for the record books--or one to let walk away and grow up."

RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. For details, read "A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game." Visit www.boone-crockett.org.

Counting Points--Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. An elk's first antlers are usually spikes. In good habitat, a bull may have a 5-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then a small six-point rack as a 3-1/2-year-old. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6x6 is a trophy. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger you're almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. If there's another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal "Y," then you're looking at a six-point antler.

A perfect, typical trophy rack has a combination of long points, long beams, good mass and a wide spread. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. Let's look at each.

Tips on Bowhunting Elk for Approaching Bull | Archery-Bowhunting ...

Corey is the reigning and 3-time world champion elk caller, as well as a consistently successful bowhunter. A mechanical engineer by trade, Jacobsen also operates an RMEF-sponsored website dedicated to elk hunting, www.elk101.com .  He offers the following key advice on calling elk into bow range: 

“Set-up might be the most critical step “. It always plays a major role in determining the outcome of a hunt. I can’t count how many hunts have been blown by a bad set-up-too much brush to shoot through, not enough cover to hide in, no shooting lanes, inconsistent wind currents, caught in the open, the list goes on and on.” “I always repeat one word to myself when I’m setting up on a bugling bull: ARC.  “The meaning of ARC is twofold. First, a bull will often approach your set-up by circling downwind . I like to visualize a straight line from the caller to the bull, then draw an imaginary arc on the downwind side. This is the path a bull will likely follow as he comes in. Always try to set up along that arc.” “The second thing ARC means to me is ‘Always Remember Concealment.’ Elk survive by three main senses: sight, sound and smell . Conceal yourself from these senses every time you set up. Set up in front of brush or trees and allow your camouflage to break up your outline (and give you a clearer shot than if you’re positioned behind cover). Clear the area where you set up. This will eliminate the chance of snapping a twig as you shift your weight or draw your bow. Obey the wind! No argument, no excuses. If the elk smells you, the hunt is over. No amount of cover spray, odor eliminating gear or luck will make your scent disappear from a bull’s nose if the wind is going straight towards him. Keep the wind in your favor, always!