Tips on Scoring Your Pronghorn

Scoring pronghorn correctly requires careful attention to detail, as even small errors can affect the accuracy and integrity of the record. While the process shares similarities with other horned game, there are important differences to keep in mind, particularly with spread measurements, prong location, and horn circumference. The following reminders highlight the most common issues found on pronghorn entry charts, along with key points to ensure your measurements follow Boone and Crockett standards.

There are two spread measurements for pronghorn. These measurements do not factor into the final score. The tip-to-tip spread (A) measurement isn’t necessarily taken perpendicular to the center line of the skull. The inside spread (B) measurement is taken at a right angle to the center line of the skull. 

Like other horned game, there are two spread measurements taken; however, for pronghorn, instead of the greatest spread and tip-to-tip, the measurements are the inside spread and tip-to-tip (See Figure 12-A). While these measurements are not included in the score, it is essential that they are accurate to maintain the integrity of the data. As with all horned game, the most important measurement is the length of the horns. All the circumference measurements are taken from the quarter locations of the longer horn.

The Two Most Common Issues We See on Pronghorn Entries Are: 

1. Quarter locations not recorded on score chart. 

2. Spread measurements missing 

Figure12-D 

If the swelling of the prong interferes with the D-2 quarter measurement (black line), the D-2 should be taken immediately below the prong. 

Figure 12-E

If the swelling of the prong interferes with the D-3 quarter measurement (black line), the D-3 should be taken immediately above the prong. 

Figure 12-F

Occasionally, the D-3 will be located below the prong and should be measured accordingly. B&C differs from other scoring systems that require the D-3 to be taken above the prong. 

Some additional things to keep in mind when you are scoring pronghorn trophies:

1. Swelling of the prong from mounting material. Highlight the question and check box on the score chart that asks if there is mounting material present. 

2. If the D-2/3 measurements fall within the swelling of the prong, then the D-2 is taken directly below the swelling, and D-3 is taken directly above the prong.

A. If the prong is high on the horn and the D-3 falls below the swelling, then it is permissible to take below the prong. This differs from the Pope and Young Club and Longhunter Society, which states that if the D-3 measurement location is located below the swelling of the prong, then the measurement is taken immediately above the prong (Figures 12-D, -E, -F).

3. The length of the prong is always taken on the outside of the horn, regardless of whether the prong curves in (typical) or out.

4. If the horns have been reattached (i.e. box was checked yes), please provide additional photographs, if needed, of where the horn sheathes are attached to the cores.

5. If there is a crack below where the prong attaches to the horn, then the distance of the crack needs to be measured and subtracted from the length of the prong.

6. Pronghorns are a horned category, and a tape measure is the only acceptable tool to obtain the measurements. A cable cannot be used.

Online Scoring Calculators Official Measurer Locator

When you enter your trophy into the Boone and Crockett system, keep in mind that more information is always better. If you know how old your animal was, note that on the hunt information sheet when you enter it. If you provide weather data, that helps, too. And everyone loves to know the caliber, rifle and bullet used, which allows us to put together databases like the new Method Visualizer. Ever wonder what caliber has killed the most trophy whitetails? The most popular caliber in the West? Find out with the Method Visualizer tool.

PJ DelHomme is a writer for Crazy Canyon Media in Missoula, Montana. He regularly contributes content to the Boone and Crockett Club as well as national and regional publications.