Quick Answer
For a typical Pope & Young entry, a harvested deer must have a minimum score of 80 inches, antlers must be in their natural state with no artificial repair or alteration, and the deer must be measured by a certified scorer using the Pope & Young Club's measurement system.
Measurement Criteria
A Pope & Young entry is based on the quality and size of the deer’s antlers, as measured by a certified scorer. The scorer must use the Pope & Young Club’s measurement system, which includes 16 different scoring categories, such as main beam length, tine length, and mass of the antlers. The deer’s antlers must be in their natural state with no artificial repair or alteration.
Scoring the Antlers
To achieve a minimum score of 80 inches, a whitetail deer must have a strong main beam, with a minimum length of 24 inches for the right beam and 23 inches for the left beam. The antlers must also have at least one main beam tine of 17 inches or longer, and a minimum of two tines on each beam that are 10 inches or longer. The mass of the antlers is also a key factor, with a minimum weight of 140 inches of bone required for a whitetail deer.
Documentation Requirements
In addition to the measurement criteria, a Pope & Young entry also requires documentation, including photographs of the deer in its natural state, a detailed description of the deer’s antlers, and a signed affidavit from the hunter attesting to the authenticity of the entry. The hunter must also provide proof of ownership, such as a tag or permit, and documentation of the deer’s age, sex, and species.
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