What is a Trophy Turkey Score?

A trophy turkey is something every turkey hunter dreams about bagging. But how do you know when you’ve shot a true trophy gobbler? Unlike deer, which are judged by antler size turkeys are scored using a combination of measurements. This scoring system allows hunters to objectively compare birds and recognize exceptional specimens.

How Are Trophy Turkeys Scored?

The most widely used system for scoring trophy turkeys was developed by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) in the early 1980s. It uses three metrics:

• Weight
• Beard Length
• Spur Length

These three attributes are combined into a total score using the following formula

Score = Weight + (Beard Length x 2) + (Right Spur Length x 10) + (Left Spur Length x 10)

So a turkey’s weight in pounds is added to twice the beard length in inches plus 10 times each spur length. Let’s break down the details on each measurement:

Weight

This is the turkey’s weight in pounds and decimal ounces. Live weight is preferred but dressed weight can also be used if live weight is not available. Heavier birds get a higher score.

Beard Length

The beard(s) are measured from where they protrude from the skin to the end of the longest bristle. Longer beards add more points.

Spur Length

Each spur is measured from where it extends from the scaled leg skin to the tip. Spur length correlates to age, so older birds with longer spurs score higher.

Measurements are taken in 1/16 increments and converted to decimal form. For example, a 10 1/4 inch beard would be 10.25 inches.

Minimums for Trophy Classification

For a turkey to qualify for listing in the NWTF records, it must meet a minimum score of 65 using the formula above. Here are some examples:

• 21 lb turkey with a 10 inch beard and 1 1/4 inch spurs = 21 + (10 x 2) + (1.25 x 10) + (1.25 x 10) = 66 score

• 23 lb turkey with an 11 inch beard and 1 3/8 inch spurs = 23 + (11 x 2) + (1.375 x 10) + (1.375 x 10) = 70.75 score

• 26 lb turkey with a 12 inch beard and 1 1/2 inch spurs = 26 + (12 x 2) + (1.5 x 10) + (1.5 x 10) = 78 score

As you can see, once you get over 20 pounds, 10 inch beards, and 1 1/4 inch or longer spurs, a turkey has a good chance at making the minimum trophy score.

State and National Records

Most states and the NWTF keep records for the highest scoring wild turkeys based on this scoring system. The NWTF maintains several record lists:

• Typical and Nontypical Overall (all-time records)
• Typical and Nontypical Annual (yearly records)
• Typical and Nontypical by State

The highest scoring turkey in NWTF records is a nontypical bird taken in Missouri that scored an incredible 186 3/8. It weighed 37 pounds and had multiple beards totaling 38 1/8 inches!

Many local hunting clubs and conservation organizations also maintain trophy records based on the NWTF scoring formula.

Entering Your Turkey in the Records

To enter your turkey in NWTF records, an official scorer must measure and document the required metrics. The NWTF website has information on becoming a certified scorer. You can also have most state game agencies or local NWTF chapters score your bird.

Once scored, you can register your turkey online through the NWTF website or by mailing in the Wild Turkey Records application form. The NWTF will send you a recognition certificate commemorating your trophy turkey!

Benefits of Scoring Turkeys

Scoring provides a standardized system that let’s turkey hunters compare and appreciate exceptional birds. Even if you don’t have a trophy, scoring your turkey can give you a better sense of its quality and age. It also adds one more layer of fun and excitement to your hunt.

So next time you bag a nice tom, break out the tape measure and weigh it on a certified scale. You might just have a new trophy turkey score to add to the record books!