If youâve never thought much about scoring your wild turkey or simply donât know what measurements factor into the score, all it takes is four easy steps to get it done.
The NWTF maintains the Wild Turkey Records database, which includes rankings in the following groups:
Thereâs also an interactive map on the NWTFâs website that filters data entered by wild-turkey hunters who have registered their birds. Who knows, maybe this springâs bird is worthy of a top ranking in the record books.
Measure each spur. 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. Add both spur measurements and multiply the combined length of the spurs by 10. This is the number of points you receive for the turkeyâs spurs.
Measure the beard length (a beard must be measured from the center point of the protrusion of the skin to the tip) and convert it to decimal form. Next, multiply the beard length figure by 2; this is the number of points you receive for the beard length. If you have an atypical bird (multiple beards), measure each beard, convert them to a decimal number, then add those figures together and multiply by two. This is the number of points you receive for your turkeyâs beards.
Add together the weight, the points for spurs and points for beard(s): This is the score you receive for your turkey. You can also tally your score by using the Scoring Calculator.
Scoring a freshly harvested wild turkey is a great way to determine just how impressive your tom really is. While simply reveling in a successful hunt is satisfying enough for most hunters, recording the vital statistics of your bird and generating an objective score provides definitive proof of your trophy. Whether you’re hoping to enter your gobbler into your state’s wild turkey records or simply want bragging rights at the local watering hole, learning how to accurately score a turkey is key.
Why Score Your Turkey?
Scoring wild turkeys is a long-held tradition among diehard turkey hunters. It originated as a way to objectively compare the attributes of different harvested birds rather than relying on anecdotal evidence. By accurately measuring and recording key physical features, it became possible to numerically rank turkeys in order of impressiveness.
Over time, wild turkey scoring systems were formalized by conservation organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation This brought uniformity to the scoring process and allowed hunters nationwide to participate Having an official scoring format paved the way for wild turkey record books at both state and national levels.
For devoted spring turkey hunters having the largest scored tom in your state or even the country is a highly prestigious honor. Even those not concerned with records get satisfaction from quantifying just how magnificent their bird is compared to average specimens. In short scoring allows hunters to put an objective number on the fruits of their time and effort.
What is Scored on a Wild Turkey?
There are three components taken into account when determining an overall score for a harvested wild turkey
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Weight – The overall weight of the bird in pounds and ounces. This accounts for the tom’s overall mass.
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Beard Length – The length of the longest beard (or total length of multiple beards) in inches. This measures the tom’s most prominent feature.
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Spur Length – The total length of both spurs added together, measured in inches. Spur length indicates the tom’s age and maturity.
These three elements – mass, beard, and spurs – provide a comprehensive evaluation of the gobbler’s overall impressiveness when considered together. While any one factor alone does not define a trophy bird, the total combined score provides objective proof of the turkey’s outstanding qualities compared to an average adult tom.
How to Measure for Scoring
With an understanding of what attributes are measured, let’s look at the proper techniques used to quantify each component:
Weight
Obtaining an accurate weight of the harvested bird is crucial. Small errors here can significantly impact the overall score. Be sure to use a reliable scale designed for weighing game, not a bathroom scale. For complete accuracy, weigh in pounds and ounces rather than rounding to the nearest pound. Convert ounces to decimal form (4 oz = .25 lb, for example) when tallying the final score.
Beard Length
Use a cloth measuring tape to record beard length, measuring to the nearest 1/16 of an inch. Measure along the center of the beard from the point it protrudes from the skin to the distal end of the longest strand. For multiple beards, measure each individually and add together for the total beard score.
Spur Length
As with beards, measure spurs to the nearest 1/16 inch along the outside curve. Begin measurement at the point the spur emerges from the scaled skin of the leg and continue to the sharp tip. Measure both spurs and add together for the total spur length component of the score.
Avoiding Scoring Errors
To ensure accuracy, have a witness verify measurements, especially if you plan on submitting for record books. Avoid potential errors like inaccurate measuring devices, poor measuring technique, or misrecorded data. Take photos documenting each measurement – they can validate your figures if questions arise later.
Calculating the Final Score
With accurate figures for weight, beard, and spurs, you can easily generate a total score:
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Record weight in pounds and ounces out to two decimal places. This number is counted as-is toward the total score.
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For beard length in inches, multiply the total length by two. This becomes the beard score.
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For total spur length in inches, multiply the combined length of both spurs by 10. This produces the spur score.
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Add all three scores together to produce the gobbler’s final overall score!
As an example, a bird weighing 19.25 lbs, with an 11.75″ beard and 1.5″ spurs would tally as follows:
- Weight = 19.25 lbs
- Beard = 11.75 x 2 = 23.5
- Spurs = 1.5 x 10 = 15
- Total score = 19.25 + 23.5 + 15 = 57.75
This objective numerical score now quantifies just how impressive your trophy tom really is!
Entering Your Bird in the Record Books
If you are fortunate enough to harvest a wild turkey with an exceptionally high score, submitting it to your state and national wild turkey record books is a rewarding experience. You’ll join the ranks of the most successful turkey hunters across the country in having your accomplishments preserved for posterity.
Each state has its own regulations and procedures for submitting birds for records consideration. Visit your state’s wildlife agency website for details. For entry in the National Wild Turkey Federation records, visit http://www.nwtf.org and search for “record book” information.
With the satisfaction of a special gobbler on your back and following the proper scoring techniques, you’ll be able to document and preserve a milestone in your turkey hunting career. Good luck in your record book quest!
Top 20 Counties With Most Registered Wild Turkeys
If you search the Top 20 Counties with the most record birds harvested, youâll see Florida and Nebraska lead the way.
* Data as of 2019 records.
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If youâve never thought much about scoring your wild turkey or simply donât know what measurements factor into the score, all it takes is four easy steps to get it done.
The NWTF maintains the Wild Turkey Records database, which includes rankings in the following groups:
- Total Score
- Beard Length
- Spur Length
- Weight
Thereâs also an interactive map on the NWTFâs website that filters data entered by wild-turkey hunters who have registered their birds. Who knows, maybe this springâs bird is worthy of a top ranking in the record books.
Weigh your bird in pounds and ounces and convert ounces to decimal form.
Measure each spur. 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. Add both spur measurements and multiply the combined length of the spurs by 10. This is the number of points you receive for the turkeyâs spurs.
Measure the beard length (a beard must be measured from the center point of the protrusion of the skin to the tip) and convert it to decimal form. Next, multiply the beard length figure by 2; this is the number of points you receive for the beard length. If you have an atypical bird (multiple beards), measure each beard, convert them to a decimal number, then add those figures together and multiply by two. This is the number of points you receive for your turkeyâs beards.
Add together the weight, the points for spurs and points for beard(s): This is the score you receive for your turkey. You can also tally your score by using the Scoring Calculator.
How to Score a Turkey Based Off the NWTF Scoring System
FAQ
How to score turkey skin?
How does NWTF score turkeys?
How to correctly measure turkey spurs?
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.
Is there a scoring system for the wild turkey?
Heck, some folks don’t even know there is a scoring system for the wild turkey. But there is. And thanks to a handy chart from our friends at the NWTF, we’ll share exactly how to score your turkey. The info below can be found at www.nwtf.org, as well as tons of other great info on hunting the wild turkey, conservation, NWTF events, and resources.
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.
What are the contest categories for American wild turkeys?
Contest categories for each subspecies include: Top Scoring Total for American Wild Turkeys; Longest Beards; Longest Spurs; Heaviest Bird; Top Scoring Non-Typical American Wild Turkeys; and Top Scoring American Wild Turkeys by Archery. You can calculate your score by filling out the form below using numbers with decimals.