As a measurer for Boone & Crockett, Pope & Young, Rowland Ward and Master Measurer for Safari Club International, I’m quite familiar with the various methods and positive impact trophy scoring holds.
Because wildlife was rapidly diminishing in the early 1900’s, scoring systems were implemented to track the success of conservation programs. Species like bison & pronghorn that were thought to be ‘vanishing’ have obviously been restored through conservation and game management –and, in many cases, are displaying larger horns/antlers.
This brings me to my next point; often I’ll find myself in a hunting camp with hunters telling stories about the monster 10-point buck they saw declaring “I bet that buck would push 160”!
Such hunters are excited to return to the field to see if they can connect with their buck-of-a-lifetime.
Once the mission has been accomplished, beaming from ear to ear, the hunter wilk ask me “will you score my trophy?” Reluctantly I’ll oblige…
Sitting on the edge of their seat for what seemed like an eternity, I now have to give their trophy-of-a-lifetime a number. In preparation for the news, I’ll find ways to remind the hunter how special their trophy is, compliment the horns/antlers and congratulation him on his success.
Then the hunter will say “So? What’d he score?” I then explain deductions or the recording process followed by delivering the news; “his gross score is 162 1/8, but with the deductions he’s 148 6/8”. The smile is now an empty stare as if he’s disappointed. Just moments ago that hunter was so proud, and now I’ve ruined it.
I personally score and record all of my trophies because I understand the importance of record keeping, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder; these memories will be permanently etched in your mind; love your trophy for the experience and remember that it’s not about the number.
What are your thoughts on the record scoring systems?
