While most turkey hunters don’t really ever measure their bird, here’s how to score a turkey.
Every spring, dedicated turkey hunters head to the woods hoping to bag a true trophy tom. But how do you know if your bird is a record breaker? Scoring a wild turkey involves more than just weighing it. There’s an art and science to determining the total score.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the official process used by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) for measuring your turkey’s beard, spurs, and weight. You’ll learn how to convert measurements to decimal form, calculate accurate point values, and end up with a meaningful final score.
Plus, see how your turkey stacks up to state and world records with the scoring chart. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Scoring System
The NWTF scoring system was implemented in 1982 and has recorded over 34,000 turkeys since. It aims to provide an objective way to assess a turkey’s overall size and quality.
There are three components to scoring a bird:
- Weight in pounds/ounces
- Length of beard(s)
- Length of spurs
Each part is measured precisely, then given a points value that contributes to the total score. Higher numbers indicate a more impressive specimen.
Step-by-Step Scoring Instructions
Follow these key steps to score your prized gobbler like an expert:
1. Measure and Record Weight
- Weigh the turkey in pounds and ounces on a reliable scale.
- Write down the exact weight in pounds and ounces. Do not round.
For example, your turkey might weigh 19 pounds, 8.5 ounces.
2. Convert Ounces to Decimal Equivalent
- Convert the weight in ounces to a decimal using the conversion chart below:
| Ounces | Decimal |
|---|---|
| 1 oz | .0625 |
| 2 oz | .125 |
| 3 oz | .1875 |
| 4 oz | .25 |
| 5 oz | .3125 |
| 6 oz | .375 |
| 7 oz | .4375 |
| 8 oz | .5 |
| 8.5 oz | .53125 |
So for our example weight of 19 lbs, 8.5 oz:
- 8.5 oz converts to .53125 in decimal form
3. Measure Beard Tip to Base
- Lay the beard flat against a tape measure.
- Measure from where the beard protrudes from the skin to the tip.
- Record the length in 1/16th increments.
For example, our beard length is 10 4/16 inches.
4. Convert Beard Length to Decimal
- Use the conversion chart to change beard length to a decimal number:
| Inches/16 | Decimal |
|---|---|
| 1/16 | .0625 |
| 2/16 | .125 |
| 3/16 | .1875 |
| 4/16 | .25 |
So our 10 4/16 inch beard converts to 10.25 in decimal inches.
5. Multiply Beard Length By 2
- Take your decimal beard length and multiply by 2.
- This gives you the beard’s points value.
Our 10.25 inch beard x 2 = 20.5 beard points
6. Measure Spur Lengths
- Measure each spur on the outside center from where it extends to the tip.
- Record the lengths in 1/16th increments.
Let’s say our spur lengths are 1 5/16″ and 1 3/16″
7. Convert Spur Lengths to Decimals
- Use the conversion chart to calculate the decimal spur lengths:
| Inches/16 | Decimal |
|---|---|
| 1/16 | .0625 |
| 2/16 | .125 |
| 3/16 | .1875 |
| 4/16 | .25 |
| 5/16 | .3125 |
Our spurs convert to 1.3125″ and 1.1875″
8. Add Spur Lengths and Multiply By 10
- Add the two decimal spur lengths together.
- Then multiply the total by 10 to get the spur points.
Our total spur length is 1.3125″ + 1.1875″ = 2.5″
2.5 x 10 = 25 spur points
9. Add All Points for Total Score
Finally, add up the points from weight, beard, and spurs:
- Weight: 19.53125 lbs
- Beard Points: 20.5 points
- Spur Points: 25 points
Total Score = 65.03125
And that’s it! You’ve officially scored your wild turkey using the proper NWTF system.
Comparing Your Turkey to Records
Once you have your official score, see how your gobbler compares to the best turkeys on record in your state and worldwide using this chart:
| Score | Caliber of Bird |
|---|---|
| 60-69 | Excellent |
| 70-79 | Trophy |
| 80-89 | Once-in-a-Lifetime |
| 90+ | World Class Potential Record Breaker |
Don’t forget to submit your score to the NWTF website to have your turkey counted in their records database. Happy hunting!
How to Score a Turkey
- Weigh your turkey on a good scale. Once you get an accurate weight, convert the ounces to decimals. I know for me it’s been awhile since I’ve had to do this so I had to refresh my basic math skills here.
- Beard measurements are taken to the nearest 16th of an inch. To score a turkey, measure from the skin to the tip of the longest whisker then multiply that number by two. For example, if the turkey has a 10” beard, the score would be 10 x 2 = 20. If your turkey has more than one beard, add the lengths of each beard and multiply the total by two to get the beard measurement.
- Measure the spurs from the base to the tip on both legs. Once you get those two measurements, multiply the total by ten. For example, if one spur is 1″ and the other is 1 ¼”, the spur score is 2.25 x 10 = 22.5″.
- Add the three measurements together for the final score.
How to Score a Turkey Based Off the NWTF Scoring System
FAQ
What score is a trophy turkey?
How to officially measure a turkey spur?
Where do you score a turkey?
How do you score a turkey beard?
The turkey should have two spurs so measure each in 1/16 increments and add together then multiply by 10. This will give you the number of point to use in scoring the spurs on your turkey. Now measure the beard length and again and convert it to decimal form and multiply by two to get the score for the beard.
How do you measure Spurs on a Turkey?
Next measure each spur along the outside center, from the point at which the spur protrudes from leg to the tip of the spur. The turkey should have two spurs so measure each in 1/16 increments and add together then multiply by 10. This will give you the number of point to use in scoring the spurs on your turkey.
How do I find out if a Turkey has been harvested?
Easily search the database by using the search function at the top of the page, or simply zoom in and out on the map. Then click on the turkey push pin to bring up an information window that displays the total number of birds harvested in that county and the average and top score, weight, beard and spur length of the birds recorded in that county.
How do you score a trophy Gobbler?
The NWTF has developed a formula for scoring trophy gobblers. Their official scoring instructions are found here along with information on submitting a record turkey and an official entry form. Before you begin to score your turkey, be sure to note that all measurements are taken in 1/16-inch increments and converted to decimal form.