How to Properly Score Your Harvested Wild Turkey

Scoring a freshly harvested wild turkey is a fun tradition for hunters It allows you to determine if your tom is a potential record book specimen and see how it measures up to others bagged by fellow sportsmen. While it may seem complicated to score a turkey, the process is actually quite straightforward once you understand the basics

In this guide, we’ll walk through the simple steps for accurately scoring your prized gobbler using the universal scoring system endorsed by the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Why Score Your Turkey?

Here are some great reasons to officially score your harvested turkey:

• Find out if you have a record book contender based on weight, spur length or beard length.

• Compare your results to the NWTF database and leaderboards

• Benchmark your success against other hunters in your state or region.

• Gain bragging rights among your hunting buddies

• Document your hunting accomplishments and participation.

• Qualify for special awards and recognition programs.

What You’ll Need

To properly score your bird, you’ll need the following handy tools:

• Digital scale – Accurately measures weight in pounds and ounces.

• Tape measure – Must have 1/16 inch increments.

• Pen and scoring sheet – Record measurements as you go.

• Camera – To photograph your trophy turkey.

Step 1: Weigh the Bird

Carefully weigh your harvested turkey on the digital scale. Be sure to document the full weight in pounds and ounces. For example, 19 pounds, 5 ounces.

Convert the ounce measurement to a decimal for scoring. In our example, 5 ounces becomes .3125 ounces when converted to a decimal.

Step 2: Measure Spur Length

Using your tape measure, measure each spur from the point it protrudes from the scaled leg skin to the very tip of the spur. Measure along the outside curvature.

Record the length of each spur to the nearest 1/16 inch. Add both spur lengths together and multiply the total by 10. This gives your total spur points.

Step 3: Measure Beard Length

For the beard measurement, start at the centerpoint where the beard protrudes from the skin. Measure out to the end of the longest whisker or bristle. Record the length to the nearest 1/16 inch.

For multiple beards, measure each one separately and add all the lengths together before continuing. Take the total beard length(s) and multiply by two to get total beard points.

Step 4: Calculate Total Score

To arrive at the final score:

• Add the total weight (in pounds/ounces).

• Add the total spur points.

• Add the total beard points.

This gives you the total score for your turkey based on the standard scoring criteria.

Submitting Your Turkey Score

To make it official, submit your score details, photos and documentation to the NWTF online or by mail. Your gobbler will then join the records database to see how it ranks nationally and in your state.

You can also share the scoring details with hunting buddies and clubs to earn bragging rights. With these simple steps you’ll be scoring your next trophy tom like a pro!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you officially measure a turkey’s spurs?

Measure from the point the spur protrudes from the scaled leg skin out to the tip along the outside curvature. Add both spurs and multiply total by 10 for points.

What makes a turkey a trophy?

A high total score based on the weight, spur length and beard length. Over 60 total points is excellent.

Do I need witnesses or verification to submit a score?

Yes, an NWTF member or licensed hunter must verify your measurements when submitting to their records database.

What if my turkey has multiple beards?

Measure each beard separately, add the lengths, then multiply total by two for your beard points.

Where do I submit my wild turkey score?

You can enter your turkey’s score online at the NWTF website or use their mobile app. Mail in submissions also accepted.

Can I score my turkey just for fun?

Absolutely! Scoring is a great tradition even if you don’t plan to submit to records. Compare with friends.

What gear do I need to score my turkey?

A digital scale, thin tape measure, scoring sheet, camera and pen is ideal basic gear.

What are the different scoring categories?

The NWTF ranks by total score, beard length, spur length, and weight. Separate youth categories too.

How do I know if my score might be a record?

Check the NWTF records database for current national and state records to see if you have a contender.

Scoring your prized gobbler is a fun tradition and lets you benchmark your turkey hunting achievements. With the proper tools and technique, you can quickly score your bird like a pro. Competing for bragging rights or a spot in the record books makes turkey hunting even more exciting!