Although most hunters rarely measure their bird, here’s how to score a turkey if you do.
For many turkey hunters, the thrill of the chase extends beyond simply bagging a bird. The quest for a trophy turkey, one that boasts an impressive score, adds an element of prestige and accomplishment to the experience. But how do you determine a turkey’s score? What factors contribute to a high score? And what constitutes a “good” turkey score?
This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of turkey scoring, providing you with the knowledge and tools to assess your own birds and understand the benchmarks of a trophy turkey.
The Three Pillars of Turkey Scoring: Weight, Beard, and Spurs
A turkey’s score is calculated based on three key measurements: weight, beard length, and spur length. Each element plays a crucial role in determining the overall score, and understanding their individual contributions is essential for evaluating your turkey’s potential.
1. Weight: The Foundation of a High Score
The foundation of a high turkey score lies in its weight. A heavier bird automatically translates to a higher score, and this factor carries the most significant weight in the overall calculation. To accurately measure your turkey’s weight, use a reliable scale and convert the ounces to decimals for precise scoring.
2. Beard: A Mark of Maturity and Experience
The beard, a cluster of hair-like projections extending from the turkey’s breast, serves as an indicator of maturity and experience. Longer beards generally signify older, more seasoned birds, and contribute significantly to the overall score. To measure the beard, extend it to its full length and measure from the skin to the tip of the longest whisker. Multiply this measurement by two to obtain the beard score.
3. Spurs: A Sign of Age and Dominance
Spurs, the sharp, bony protrusions on the back of a turkey’s legs, provide another indicator of age and dominance. Longer spurs typically signify older, more dominant birds, and contribute to the overall score. Measure each spur from the base to the tip and multiply the total by ten to obtain the spur score.
Calculating the Final Score: Combining the Elements
Once you have obtained the individual scores for weight, beard, and spurs, simply add them together to arrive at the final turkey score. This score serves as a benchmark for comparing your bird to others and determining its trophy status.
What Constitutes a “Good” Turkey Score?
The definition of a “good” turkey score is subjective and depends on individual expectations and regional standards. However, a general guideline suggests that scores exceeding 70 points are considered impressive, with scores above 80 indicating a true trophy bird.
The World Record: A Benchmark of Excellence
The current world record for an Eastern wild turkey stands at an astonishing 104.81 points, achieved by a bird harvested in Kentucky. This exceptional turkey boasted over 2-inch spurs, a 13 ¾-inch beard, and a weight exceeding 33 ½ pounds.
By understanding the three key elements of turkey scoring – weight, beard, and spurs – and their individual contributions to the overall score, you can effectively assess your own birds and determine their trophy potential. While the definition of a “good” score may vary, exceeding 70 points is generally considered impressive, with scores above 80 indicating a true trophy bird. Remember, the pursuit of a trophy turkey is a journey of dedication, skill, and a deep appreciation for the majestic wild turkey.
How to Score a Turkey
- Weigh your turkey on a good scale. Once the weight is determined with accuracy, convert the ounces to decimals. Since I haven’t had to do this in a while, I felt the need to brush up on my fundamental math knowledge.
- Measurements of the beard are made to the closest sixteenth of an inch. In order to score a turkey, take a measurement from the skin to the tip of the whiskers and multiply the result by two. For instance, the score would be 10 x 2 = 20 if the turkey had a 10″ beard. To find the beard measurement if your turkey has multiple beards, add up the lengths of each beard and divide the result by two.
- Measure the spurs on both legs from the base to the tip. Once those two measurements are obtained, multiply the sum by ten. For instance, the spur score is 2 if one spur is 1 ″ and the other is 1 ¼”. 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 is the average turkey score?
What is considered a big turkey hunting?
Is a 5 or 6 shot better for turkey?
What is the longest Turkey Spur on record?
The longest turkey spurs on record are 2.5625 inches, and they belonged to an Eastern harvested in North Carolina by Willard Dills in 2017. If you happen to take a Tom with spurs over 2.25 inches, that’ll get you into the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) current Top 10 list for longest spurs on record.
How do you measure a turkey’s beard?
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 turkey’s beards. Add together the weight, the points for spurs and points for beard (s): This is the score you receive for your turkey.
Who is the Keeper of wild turkey Records?
The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is the defacto standard aka official keeper of wild turkey records just like Boone and Crockett is considered the keeper of whitetail deer records although they are being challenged on that by the newer buckmaster method.
How can I find out where wild turkeys were harvested?
There’s also an interactive map on the NWTF’s website that filters data entered by wild-turkey hunters who have registered their birds. So, for instance, someone can use the mapping tool to get the top 20 counties where the largest wild turkeys on record were harvested.