Judging mule deer

[Freebird134]

Anyone have some good tips or links on judging mule deer. I'm not exactly searching for P&Y or B&C this year, but I could use a refresher on judging bucks.

[ElkNut1]

Tall racks score well!! When you see a good buck you'll know it!! (grin)

ElkNut1

[Vanish]

Tall and Wide, Deep and Even Forks

[Freebird134]

Thanks guys. I know tall, wide, and deep are good--but what does that mean exactly? Any tips for determining if it is tall, wide, and deep enough? Again, I'm not looking for a monster, and don't care about score per se.

I was hoping someone might throw out some minimum guideline like " if his inside spread is past the ears, his rack is twice as tall as an ear, etc....". I've never killed a big mulie, and basically just want to hold out for something decent for southern idaho. Thanks!

[Vanish]

The spread of the ears from tip to tip, in a relaxed position, normally range between 18 and 22 inches. Tine length and main beams make up about 70% of a mule deer's score. Mass and inside spread are not as critical, for score. The quickest judge of a buck's score will be the fork depth - most bucks with deep forks, 10-12 inches, will probably score around 190.

[shooter21]

For score look for deep forks !Like said most of your score comes from good beams and long tines .I killed a buck 3 year that was 22 wide but still was 174"

[JohnFitzgerald]

The spread of the ears from tip to tip, in a relaxed position, normally range between 18 and 22 inches. Tine length and main beams make up about 70% of a mule deer's score. Mass and inside spread are not as critical, for score. The quickest judge of a buck's score will be the fork depth - most bucks with deep forks, 10-12 inches, will probably score around 190.

+1 on what vanish said.

[Karl Blanchard]

I use the ears for everything. A mule deers ear is 9-10inches long so 2 1/2 ear lengths long and you have a really good main beam. Same goes with the forks. If the forks are at least an ear length deep then you are looking at a deer with at least 9inch 3rds and 4th. Also don't overlook eyeguards they can add 5+ inches pretty fast. Take a buck with those measurements and add a spread credit and decent mass and you are looking at a buck that will push 170".

[elkaholic]

Anyone have some bucks in the 160 to 180 range that they would mind posting up to get some good visuals??

[Elkduds]

See thread Neighborhood Bad Boy in this forum,last post 5/3/14 or so. Pic of a buck near that point range.

[one_elk]

Great book on hunting mule deer in general and talks a lot about scoring big bucks….
http://www.eastmans.com/shop/books/mule ... stman.html

[twinkieman]

Look at Elknut1's buck from a couple of seasons ago. If you see one like that, SHOOT IT