Curious How your Deer Scores? Here's a Chance to get Expert Guidance!

Hunters can have racks gathered through
harvest or shed collecting officially certified at the
Jay Henges Shooting Range Antler Scoring Day
Saturday, March 19 from 9 a.m.-noon.

Did you get a big one this year? Well, if you are curious about learning how to score those deer antlers, residents around the STL metro have an opportunity to get some guidance.  Any deer hunter would find this session of interest. 

For more information about places and methods for deer hunting, visit Family-Outdoors.

Hunters can have racks gathered through harvest or shed collecting officially certified.

EUREKA, MO.—How does this rack stack up?  It’s a question many hunters ask when admiring the antlers from a proudly harvested buck.  The Deer Antler Scoring Day at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center Saturday, March 19, can provide the answer.

From 9 a.m.-noon, hunters may bring their antler racks from the previous season, or any past season, to have them officially scored.  Shed antlers can also be brought in for scoring.  Certified scorers from Pope & Young, Boone & Crocket, and Missouri Show-Me Big Bucks Club organizations will be available for evaluation and scoring.  Hunters also have the option of dropping off antlers at the education center to be scored and picking them up later.  Representatives certified to measure other types of animals will also be on hand.

All racks must have been dried at least 60 days to qualify.  Bringing along all harvest information, such as date, time, location and method, is recommended. 

The Boone & Crocket Club is the internationally-recognized standard for judging deer racks taken with firearms from any location, while the Pope & Young Club provides the same kind of certification for antlers harvested by bow and arrow.  Missouri Show-Me Big Bucks Club recognizes trophy white-tailed deer harvested or found in Missouri, in both the typical and non-typical categories.  The club also recognizes shed antlers.

No reservations are required and there is no cost for participating.  Standard fees for certification do apply if awarded.  For more information, contact (636) 938-9548.  The Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 1100 Antire Road, just off I-44, exit 269 in Eureka.

MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines.  Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.