Hunting Washington Forum

Community => Taxidermy & Scoring => Topic started by: blindluck on June 30, 2016, 05:42:33 PM

Title: Help with Scoring moose
Post by: blindluck on June 30, 2016, 05:42:33 PM: Ok, I have been looking for a moose scoring tutorial or video but coming up with nothing. The part I'm not sure about is the palm length measurement? I've read where people say you want at least split brow tines. I'm assuming you get a longer measurement measuring to the crotch of the splits versus a single tine where there would be no crotch to measure to. Also does each point over an inch only count for 1 inch, so 10 points on a side regardless of length, you would only get 10 inches added to the score. Thanks
Title: Re: Help with Scoring moose
Post by: papaonthemountain on June 30, 2016, 07:11:03 PM: blindluck... I'll give it a go. In the nuances of measuring North American game animals, the palm length measurement of a moose is perhaps the most subjective of them all. Many drawn out discussions have resulted at various shows, especially when measuring some big bulls that come out of Alaska that have folds in their palms.

You are correct in that every point, including those on the brows, are counted as one inch regardless if it is 1 inch or 10 inches. Remember a "bump" does not qualify, as a point is considered to be longer than it is wide at least one inch down from the top of the point. I use a 1" diameter piece of copper pipe cut to a 1" length. Slip it on what you hope is a point and if the tip of the point protrudes... you got a winner.

Things to consider when measuring the length:
1. Measure across the back side of the palm.
2. The line you establish to measure is the one most parallel to the inside of the palm. This is where opinions can vary.
3. The starting point at the top of the palm is in the swale between any two points or bumps. They do not have to be scoreable points.
4. If the brow is split, starting at any of the crotches on the brow establish the line to one of the top crotches that is most parallel and also give the greatest length measurement.
5. If the brow is a single point, the same line needs to be established using any place on the brow tine that gives you the most parallel and greatest measurement. That starting point on the brow tine is generally about half way down it just as it begins to sweep back up.

I use a piece of freezer tape to establish the length line. You can pick it up and lay it back down easily as it usually takes a few goes. Another eye is always welcome, especially when working on a potential book animal.

Hope this helps a bit... good luck.
Title: Re: Help with Scoring moose
Post by: huntnphool on June 30, 2016, 07:23:24 PM: Each point over a inch counts as 1 point in B&C, no credit for longer points.

I prefer the SCI scoring, it gives you a better idea of what the bull actually grew.

If you are concerned with score, you will want to make sure you have split brows, single brows will keep your score considerably lower.

In a nutshell, look for split brows, paddle length and paddle width. Find a bull with split brows and 10" wide paddles, don't pass it. ;)
Title: Re: Help with Scoring moose
Post by: Miles on June 30, 2016, 08:04:24 PM: Score isn't all that important when it comes to moose IMO. When you see a good one, don't worry about points and an inch or two here and there... You'll know when it's a shooter.

My dad and I took this one opening day last year in Maine. There wasn't any wondering on whether or not to shoot. Some moose might be very unique but not score worth a darn.
Title: Re: Help with Scoring moose
Post by: huntnphool on June 30, 2016, 08:09:59 PM: Quote from: Miles on June 30, 2016, 08:04:24 PM
Score isn't all that important when it comes to moose IMO. When you see a good one, don't worry about points and an inch or two here and there... You'll know when it's a shooter.

My dad and I took this one opening day last year in Maine. There wasn't any wondering on whether or not to shoot. Some moose might be very unique but not score worth a darn.

:chuckle: Could you post up a better example of a "no brainer"?
Title: Re: Help with Scoring moose
Post by: Miles on June 30, 2016, 08:10:59 PM: Give me a couple months... ;)