Post by Hardcase on Nov 17, 2007 11:16:09 GMT -5
Any turkey is a magnificent bird and is considered to be a trophy However, some hunters like to compare their gobblers with others taken within their state or other states. The National Wild Turkey Federation developed a turkey trophy scoring system that would allow all gobblers to be compared against each other equitably. The scoring system is based upon three measurements - weight, beard length(s) and spur lengths. The formula for overall score is: weight (lbs. and oz.), plus 10 times spur lengths (right & left), plus 2 times the beard length. All measurements are recorded in sixteenths of an inch. Weight must be measured to the nearest ounce (for example, 22lbs. 3oz. = 22 3/16 points). Spurs must be measured along the outside center, from the point at which the spur protrudes from the scaled leg skin to the tip of the spur (for example, left spur 1 inch plus right spur 1 1/16 inches times 10 = 20 10/16 points).
Beard length is measured from the center point of the protrusion from the skin to the end of the longest bristle (for example, 12 2 /16 inches times 2 = 24 4 /16 points). Turkeys with multiple beards must have each beard measured and recorded separately. The total score for the turkey in the example would be 22 3/16 + 20 10/16 + 24 4/ 16 = 67 1/16. Weights must be from certified scales with a current seal from the Division of Weights and Measures, State Department of Agriculture. Pictures are required for the measurements of the spurs and the beard. In addition, the scores must be witnessed. To register your turkey, write Entry Rules & Application, National Wild Turkey Federation, P.O. Box 530, Edgefield, SC, 29824-0530 or telephone (803) 637-3106.
Beard length is measured from the center point of the protrusion from the skin to the end of the longest bristle (for example, 12 2 /16 inches times 2 = 24 4 /16 points). Turkeys with multiple beards must have each beard measured and recorded separately. The total score for the turkey in the example would be 22 3/16 + 20 10/16 + 24 4/ 16 = 67 1/16. Weights must be from certified scales with a current seal from the Division of Weights and Measures, State Department of Agriculture. Pictures are required for the measurements of the spurs and the beard. In addition, the scores must be witnessed. To register your turkey, write Entry Rules & Application, National Wild Turkey Federation, P.O. Box 530, Edgefield, SC, 29824-0530 or telephone (803) 637-3106.