Buck Points

[Lupinus]

I know the basics of points for bucks but don't know specifics. What does or doesn't actually count as a point? Does it have to be of a certian length to actually count as a point?

And just what is a kicker?

 

[Bigreno]

Lupinus,

For Whitetail deer:

The point must be a minimum of 1 inch to be counted as a point.

Kickers are points that branch off of say a G2 or G3 etc. Stickers are "points" that grow off the the main beam of the antler. Generally close to the head.



Boone and Crockett

 

[Redlg155]

In my area, 1" is the official rule, however, I've always used the saying" if you can hang a ring on it, it counts as a point".

Oh..and folks count points differently in some areas. Here in the South an 8 pointer (4 on each side) is just that...and 8 pointer. In other areas it's only a 4 pointer. Go figure.


Good Shooting
Red

 

[fisherman66]

Oh..and folks count points differently in some areas. Here in the South an 8 pointer (4 on each side) is just that...and 8 pointer. In other areas it's only a 4 pointer. Go figure.

I was under the impression that the per side thing applied to Mulies and Elk. Maybe we are compensating for small deer

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Out here in the west we only count one side of the rack,

But that can be expanded upon. If the count of points is different from one side to the other. As with this 5x6: http://www.cnw.com/~hotrod/Hunting/5x6_2005Whitetail.JPG
(His left side eye guard forks, more than one inch each tine)

But we don't call it an 11 point buck. It's a 5x6. If it were only five to a side, then it's a five point. An average or above average mature buck of Whitetail, Blacktail or Mule deer.

I've shot several 2x3 Blacktails. Not a true 3 point. (each side), But then again, not a fork'ed horn.

Here in Washington, an antler must be at least an inch long to be counted. A spike, (not a button buck), must have at least one tine more than one inch. (Where spikes are legal to hunt)

This is for Deer or Elk.

We have several game management units where hunting is restricted to minimum point total per one side of rack. A spike Bull Elk, must have only one beam on either or both sides, no forks anywhere. And there are 3 point minimums for Blacktail or Whitetail or Mule deer. Heck, sometimes you can't see half of a rack in dense cover on a Blacktail let alone the whole thing to count points before you squeaze the trigger. Counting one side works out west where we hunt on the ground with the critters. Not generally from treestand. Not on soy farms. Not around deer feeders!

Oh, whoops, I didn't mean to vent.

-Steve