Can velvet antlers be scored in Boone & Crockett?

The Importance of Dried Antlers

Velvet antlers are covered in a soft, hair-like skin called velvet, which helps to nourish the growing antlers. Once the antlers have reached their maximum size, the velvet begins to dry and shed, revealing the hardened antlers beneath. This process typically occurs within a few weeks of the end of the antler growth period.

Official Scoring Requirements

To be officially scored by the Boone & Crockett Club, antlers must be completely dry and free of any velvet or soft tissue. This ensures that the antlers are in their final form and can be accurately measured and compared to other trophies. The antlers must also be preserved in a way that prevents any further drying or shrinkage, which could affect their measurement.

Measuring Velvet Antlers

While velvet antlers cannot be officially scored, hunters can still measure and record their antlers for personal reference or to track their growth. To do this, hunters can use a tape measure or a caliper to record the circumference of the antlers at various points, such as the base, main beam, and tines. However, these measurements will not be eligible for official scoring by the Boone & Crockett Club.