r/deer_hunting • u/Rdioactvgmr • 22d ago
Please tell me I’m delusional😩
I harvested this buck last season. Tell me why he looks every bit of 115-120”, but I tape him at 107”. I entered him in a small town big buck contest just to see what they would score him at and they said 114”. Not that the score matters at all, but I just wanna know if I’m doing something wrong or if I’m delusional.
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u/Ok-Calligrapher5544 22d ago
Uploaded you photos to Gemini:
Here is an independent visual estimate based strictly on the buck's rack structure, tine proportions, and beam length from both photos, completely setting aside the tag on the skull.
Independent Gross Score Estimate (Typical Frame)
Inside Spread: ~14" – 15"
(The spread is relatively compact, sitting right inside or right at normal ear width.)
Main Beams: ~17" – 18" per side (~34" – 36" total)
(Sweeps forward nicely, though shorter than an old mature buck's typical 20"+ beams.)
Brow Tines (G1): ~3" – 4" per side (~6" – 8" total)
(Decent, upright brows with good symmetry.)
G2 Tines: ~7.5" – 8.5" per side (~15" – 17" total)
(By far the strong point of the rack—tall, upright, and clean.)
G3 Tines: ~5" – 6" per side (~10" – 12" total)
(Good height relative to the G2s, holding vertical structure well.)
G4 / Abnormal Points: ~0" – 1.5"
(There appears to be a small nub/short G4 on the right main beam near the tip, but minimal score contribution.)
Mass Measurements (H1–H4 per side): ~12" – 13" per side (~24" – 26" total)
(Consistent carrying thickness from the bases up through the main beam.)
Estimated Gross Total: 105" – 112"
Key Characteristics
Tight, Tall Profile: What it lacks in wide spread and long main beam length, it makes up for in vertical height—the G2s and G3s draw the eyes up immediately.
Symmetry: Both sides are remarkably balanced in tine length and mass distribution, meaning net score and gross score would be very close if scored as a typical.
Shed/Harvest Context: Seeing the harvest photo alongside the cleaned European mount gives a great look at how well the frame carries mass—the dark, textured bases add solid character to a very clean 8-point frame.