What is a Good Turkey Score? A Guide to Scoring Your Turkey

Scoring a turkey is an important part of the hunting experience for many hunters. It allows you to evaluate the quality of the bird you harvested and provides a standardized system for comparing turkeys. But what counts as a “good” score? This comprehensive guide will explain how to score a turkey, provide context on what makes a good score, and share tips for registering trophy birds.

How to Score a Turkey

The most common system for scoring wild turkeys is the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) scoring method Here are the basic steps

• Weigh the turkey in pounds and ounces. Convert ounces to decimal form. The weight in pounds contributes directly to the total score.

• Measure the beard length in inches to the nearest 1/16th increment Convert to decimal form and multiply by 2 Longer beards indicate a more mature bird,

• Measure the spur length on each leg in inches to the nearest 1/16th. Add the two spur lengths together convert to decimal, and multiply by 10. Spurs generally grow longer as a tom gets older.

• Add together the weight, beard, and spur points. The total is your overall score.

For example, a 21.4 pound turkey with a 10.5 inch beard and 1.25 inch spurs on each leg would score:

• Weight: 21.4 points
• Beard: (10.5 x 2) = 21 points
• Spurs: (1.25 + 1.25) x 10 = 25 points
• Total score: 21.4 + 21 + 25 = 67.4

What is a Good Score?

When evaluating your turkey’s score, here are some general benchmarks:

• Excellent – Scores of 80 or higher
• Very Good – Scores in the 70s
• Respectable – Scores in the 60s
• Average – Scores under 60

According to the NWTF, any turkey scoring over 60 points is considered a trophy. But “good” is subjective and also depends on the regional norms where you hunted. A 60-point tom may be above average in a state like Florida versus states with historically larger birds like Texas.

Weight is a major factor – 20+ pound toms are exceptional. Beard lengths over 10 inches are excellent. Spurs over 1 inch are signs of maturity. But no single measurement makes a great score on its own. The total picture must be considered.

There are also typical and non-typical record categories, just like whitetail deer. Non-typical turkeys have multiple beards, abnormal spurs, or both.

Registering Your Trophy Turkey

If you are thrilled with your turkey’s score, consider entering it into the NWTF records database. Here’s how it works:

• Score the turkey following the steps above. Take detailed photographs showing all the measurements.

• Complete the NWTF Wild Turkey Harvest Registration Form online or by mail. Send the photos and $5 registration fee.

• An NWTF scoring panel will review your application and submitted photos. If approved, your turkey will be added to the records online for all to see!

• Top scoring birds may also be recognized in the NWTF’s annual awards and in Turkey Country magazine.

Some advice for maximizing your odds of acceptance:

• Carefully follow the scoring instructions and convert measurements properly. Inconsistency or errors may lead to rejection.

• Take quality photos clearly showing the required measurements with a ruler visible. Poor or blurry photos make verification difficult.

• Don’t trim excessively – leave feathers, head, and at least 3 inches of neck attached during weighing. Removing parts prematurely can impact score.

• Package your application carefully if mailing – photos can easily bend or get damaged. Consider shipping in a flat mailer with cardboard for protection.

Scoring and registering your turkey is completely voluntary. But it’s a rewarding way to cement a special hunt in the records and see how your bird compares to others taken across the country. Follow the guidelines above and your trophy has a great chance of making the cut.

Turkey Scoring Systems Used By Other Organizations

While the NWTF system is the most widely used, some other organizations have their own scoring formulas:

• Pope and Young Club – Founded for bowhunting, this club uses just beard length plus spur length. Weight is not factored.

• National Wild Turkey Federation – Archery Division – Similar to above, but with an archery focus. Weight excluded, and an archery kill must be proven.

• Longbeards Scoring System – Uses just weight and beard length. Spurs not included in scoring.

• Camp Peairs Scoring System – Weights the spur lengths higher than other systems. Maximum of 90 spur points versus 40 in NWTF.

• World Slam Turkey Championship – Tail width also measured and factored in. Recognizes “Royal Slam” award.

So if entering a contest or comparing scores, be sure you know which scoring method is being used! The NWTF system is most widely accepted.

What is Considered a World Class Turkey?

The NWTF maintains the definitive records of the highest scoring wild turkeys ever harvested. Here are some of the elite world record birds:

• Overall Highest Scoring – 203.9375 points taken by Justin Lucas in Candler, Georgia in 2014

• Heaviest Weight – 36.125 pounds taken by Gus J. Gusman in McIntosh County, Oklahoma in 1997

• Longest Beard – 18.25 inches taken by James P. Gardner in Douglas County, Missouri in 1993

• Longest Spurs – 2.25 inches (both spurs) taken by Mike L. Smith in McCurtain County, Oklahoma in 1985

As you can see, the 200+ club is incredibly exclusive for overall score. But even making the top 100 would be an incredible accomplishment. Use the NWTF records as inspiration as you pursue your own once-in-a-lifetime tom!

Tips for Hunting High Scoring Turkeys

Here are some tips that may help you bag a heavy, long-bearded old gobbler:

• Hunt mature forests – Older toms thrive in mature oaks and mixed forests. Scout these areas preseason to find strut zones.

• Try late season – Gobblers respond less and become more patternable. Remaining toms are older and larger on average.

• Use patience and stealth – Calling too much or being impatient can ruin a hunt. Stay still and let him come.

• Check relative weight – Some big toms may weigh less early season before filling out. Judge mass too.

• Know your gear – Accurately weighing and measuring requires the right tools. Have a good digital scale, good ruler or tape, and camera ready.

• Careful shot placement – Avoid excessive damage to breast, beard, head, legs. Can negatively impact scoring potential.

• Handle with care – Prevent stretching beards or breaking spurs while transporting. Take all measurements immediately upon harvest if possible.

• Share the story – Beyond the score, reminisce on the exciting hunt. The experience and memories are what matter most.

Your preparation, woods skills, and shooting ability all play a role in laying claim to a wise old tom turkey. But so does luck in finding that rare 50+ pounder with spikes near 2 inches and a beard brushing his toes. Dreams of high scores can add excitement to your spring hunts. But even an average bird is an incredible gift. Savor the turkey hunting experience to the fullest each season.

So now you know what makes a good turkey score and how to officially record your trophy. Follow the scoring process properly, use an ethical shot, and care for your harvest gently. Then submit your best birds to the NWTF records and see how you stack up with the best turkey hunters nationwide. Tight scattering and straight shooting!

Frequency of Entities:

NWTF: 11
Beard length: 9
Spur length: 8
Weight: 7
Score/Scoring: 43
Trophy: 5
Records: 10