Quick Answer
Pope & Young endorses the use of electronic game cameras and rangefinders to accurately measure deer and other big game, providing a more precise and convenient method for determining the size of animals in the field.
Measuring Techniques
Pope & Young has traditionally been associated with the use of the “tarsal method,” which involves measuring the length of the deer’s lower leg from the top of the cannon bone to the tip of the hoof. However, they now also endorse the use of electronic game cameras, which allow hunters to accurately measure the size of animals without handling the carcass. These cameras can capture high-resolution images of the deer, including the length of the lower leg, which can then be measured using software.
Rangefinder Usage
Rangefinders are also widely used by Pope & Young members to measure the distance to deer and other big game. By accurately measuring the distance to the animal, hunters can determine the size of the deer using the P&Y scoring system. Rangefinders have become a valuable tool for hunters, allowing them to quickly and accurately determine the size of animals in the field. This can be especially useful when hunting in areas with dense cover, where visual measurements may be difficult.
Tarsal Method Refresher
The tarsal method is still widely used by Pope & Young members, and involves measuring the length of the deer’s lower leg from the top of the cannon bone to the tip of the hoof. This measurement is then multiplied by a specific factor to determine the overall score of the deer. For example, a deer that measures 24 inches on the lower leg would have a score of 72 inches (24 x 3). The tarsal method requires some degree of accuracy, but when done correctly, it can provide a reliable measurement of the deer’s size.
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