Field judging a Mule deer

[Blsum]

Hey guys. I was drawn for an Alta muzzy tag this year.  I am trying to learn how to field judge animals. I was wondering if anyone has any pictures of deer they have gotten that they could post up with a score. I would really like to shoot a decent buck and I don't want to miss judge an animal and end up shooting something that isn't up to the potential of the unit. Thanks

[PacificNWhunter]

Eastmans web site has a free video where they talk about field judging deer.

[rasbo]

if it looks like the rack dont belong on a head that small get him..

[boneaddict]

Lots of talk on here about score and guess the score etc.   Probably search the word guess or something like that.  Just remember don't bank everything on score.  Have your goals going in.  The animal I got with my alta tag was a true trophy, but wouldn't score crap.  If you like it, shoot it, unless of course your only goal is to get in the book. 

[Blsum]

I've heard of to many people who end up eating tag soup cause they passed on a nice animal trying to get in the book. But being a wet sider and only having hunted mule deer just last year. I have no real base for witch to judge a good mule deer.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[7mmfan]

I've always been told, and correct me if I'm wrong, but that a mature mule deer buck's ears are about 20" from tip to tip, so if his horns stretch out past his ears he's at least 20" wide. I've used that many times in my Wyoming hunts to judge bucks at a distance.

[Blsum]

Yeah I've heard that as well. Also that from eye to nose is about 7" so you can use that to judge fork depth.

[jameslong]

Eastmans web site has a free video where they talk about field judging deer.

great video. i recommend it.

[SkookumHntr]

I've always been told, and correct me if I'm wrong, but that a mature mule deer buck's ears are about 20" from tip to tip, so if his horns stretch out past his ears he's at least 20" wide. I've used that many times in my Wyoming hunts to judge bucks at a distance.

-That's probably about right, seems like my biggest muley's rack is about 2 inches wider then his ears on both sides and he is right at 24 3/4 wide.

[boneaddict]

It will vary with deer.   20-24 inches is a good variance.   Think mass equals maturity.    I think a good goal is a mature muley.  Alta isn't always a big spread unit.   24-26 inches is a solid buck there.  Then add some mass.   It is pretty good at kicking out true 4x4s and often eye guards.   If its 24 wide, massive, 4x4 with eyeguards.  DUMP THE THING. 

[Annette]

In a trophy area the bucks have a chance to get a bit older . Don't be surprised to find a buck that has ears measuring 26 inches tip to tip.... so 2 inches beyond his ears you start getting into the tyrophy range, but like it was said before...you choose what you concider a trophy.

[boneaddict]

Take a gander at my poll and see what you think?