| Deer hunting is no different than any other sport, | | | | For example, a trophy sized mule deer is going to |
| there is always the idea of that trophy in the | | | | be much larger than a trophy whitetail. How do |
| back of most hunters' minds. They all want to | | | | you determine if your trophy deer hunting has |
| shoot that prize-winning buck with the antlers that | | | | been successful? Deer size is judged mostly on |
| can hang on the wall in their homes. You've | | | | the "points" system, which is determined by |
| probably thought about that trophy deer while | | | | measuring several points on the antlers. There are |
| hunting a time or two, as well. What you really | | | | extremely strict regulations on measuring these |
| want to know is what constitutes a true trophy | | | | points. |
| and where they can be found. There are plenty | | | | First of all, you have to know how many points |
| of areas where trophy deer hunting can be found, | | | | each of the two antlers have. These will be |
| if you know where to start. | | | | labeled "G", followed by a number that determines |
| On many deer farms and preserves where deer | | | | how far away the point is from the main beam. |
| hunting takes place, there are a lot of | | | | Then, you measure the spreads - there are three |
| opportunities for large bucks that could be | | | | places of measurement here. You'll also measure |
| considered trophies. First of all, let's explore where | | | | the length of all points, including abnormal points, |
| to look for trophy deer. Hunting in the Illinois Ohio | | | | the length of the main beam, and the length of |
| Valley can turn up a great number of trophy deer | | | | each point. |
| due to the number of farms there, as well as the | | | | Add to these the circumferences of various parts |
| strict deer harvesting guidelines. It is not | | | | of the main branch, and then take out the |
| permissable to take young bucks scoring less than | | | | difference in lengths between the various points. |
| 125", which allows for a faster rate of maturity, | | | | The overall total achieved is the point ranking of |
| so many bucks in this area are typically running | | | | the deer. When you are trophy deer hunting, it is |
| around 208" on average. | | | | important to be aware of these measurements |
| On any well-managed farm or preserve, you will | | | | and what is considered a trophy sized specimen |
| find antler statistics like this. One reason is that | | | | within the species you are hunting. When you |
| because the deer are fed more than just | | | | have become familiar with the typical sizes and |
| vegetation and receive a source of protein that | | | | what they look like, you'll begin to judge without a |
| helps them to develop a much larger rack. In | | | | tape measure and make an estimate as to |
| general, though, trophy deer hunting varies based | | | | whether your the buck you have in your sights is |
| on the type of deer that you are hunting. | | | | going to fit the bill. |