Quick Answer
Pope & Young scoring for non-typical deer involves measuring the length and number of abnormal points, as well as considering the symmetry and mass of the antlers. Unique features such as brow tines, hooks, and palmation are also evaluated. A non-typical deer's score is based on a combination of these factors.
Measuring Abnormal Points
Pope & Young scoring for non-typical deer focuses on counting and measuring the unique points that deviate from the typical symmetry of a whitetail deer’s antlers. For non-typical deer, any point that is not directly above or below another point is considered an abnormal point. The length of these abnormal points is measured from the base to the tip, with a minimum length of 3/4 inch. Each abnormal point is scored individually, with the total number of points contributing to the overall score.
Evaluating Symmetry and Mass
In addition to measuring abnormal points, the symmetry and mass of the antlers are also evaluated. Deer with antlers that are heavily asymmetrical or have a low mass may be penalized accordingly. The mass of the antlers is determined by their width and circumference, with larger antlers receiving higher scores. When evaluating symmetry, the goal is to find the center of the antlers and measure the distance from the center to each point.
Scoring Unique Features
Unique features such as brow tines, hooks, and palmation are also evaluated in Pope & Young scoring. Brow tines, which are tines located above the main beam, are scored individually and added to the overall score. Hooks, which are tines that curl back towards the main beam, are scored based on their length and degree of curl. Palmation, which is the division of the palm into distinct sections, is scored based on the number of sections and the size of each section.
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