How to Properly Score Your Turkey: A Complete Guide for Hunters

As an avid turkey hunter, one of the most exciting parts of the hunt is seeing how your prized gobbler measures up While simply bagging a turkey is a thrill in itself, many hunters like to take it a step further by scoring their bird Scoring allows you to objectively evaluate the size and quality of the turkey based on a universal, standardized system.

But if you’re new to scoring turkeys, the process can seem daunting. There are specific techniques, formulas, and measurements involved that may be unfamiliar. Not to worry – scoring your turkey is actually pretty straightforward once you learn the basic steps.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to score your turkey like a pro using the official scoring system.

Why Score Your Turkey?

Before we jump into the scoring process itself let’s look at why you might want to score your gobbler in the first place

• Benchmark Your Success – Scoring provides concrete numbers and data to quantify just how good your turkey is. This gives you a benchmark to strive for and beat on future hunts.

• Compare to Other Hunters – Scoring allows you to see exactly how your turkey stacks up against others taken by hunters in your state or across the country.

• Gain Recognition – Top-scoring birds may qualify for special record books, awards or prizes. Scoring gives you an opportunity for bragging rights.

• Compete/Brag – Many local hunting groups or friends use scoring for friendly competition and bragging rights.

• Submit to Records Database – Organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) maintain databases of scored birds that you can submit to.

So while scoring is optional, it adds a fun extra dimension and rewards to turkey hunting by allowing you to quantify and boast about your hunting achievements.

What You’ll Need

Scoring your turkey is simple, but you will need a few essential items:

• Accurate scale (measures pounds and ounces)
• Tape measure (1/16 inch increments)
• Pen and paper or printed scoresheet
• The turkey!

Make sure your scale can measure pounds and ounces. The tape measure must have 1/16 inch increments to get the high level of precision needed. An official scoring sheet, like the one from the NWTF, is useful but you can record the measurements on any paper.

Step 1: Weigh the Bird

The first step is to weigh your harvested turkey. You’ll need an accurate measurement of the total weight in pounds and ounces.

Be sure to weigh the bird before field dressing or removing any viscera. You want the total weight before processing the turkey.

For example, your bird might weigh 19 pounds and 5 ounces on the scale. Record the weight exactly as it is displayed in pounds and ounces. We’ll convert the ounces to decimal form in the scoring calculation later.

Step 2: Measure Spur Length

The next measurement is the length of the spurs. Wild turkey spurs are the pointed protrusions that extend from the legs of adult male turkeys.

You’ll need to measure along the outer curvature of each spur, from where it emerges from the leg scale to the very tip. Use your tape measure to get an accurate reading to 1/16 of an inch.

For example, the right spur may measure 1 1/8 inches, while the left spur is 1 inch even.

Record the length of each spur separately. You’ll add them together later to get the total spur measurement.

Step 3: Measure Beard(s)

Now it’s time to measure the turkey’s beard(s). Wild turkeys have hair-like feathers that protrude from the chest called beards.

Use your tape measure to measure from the center point where the beard emerges from the skin, out to the end of the longest bristle or whisker. Measure to the nearest 1/16 inch.

If there are multiple beards, measure each one separately from base to tip. Record all beard lengths.

Step 4: Score the Spurs

With all spur lengths recorded, you can now calculate the spur score:

1. Add together the total length of the right and left spurs.

2. Multiply the total spur length by 10.

For example, if the right spur was 1 1/8″ and the left was 1″, the total is 2 1/8″. Multiplying by 10 gives a spur score of 21.25 points.

Step 5: Score the Beard(s)

To score the beard(s):

1. If there are multiple beards, add all the lengths together first.

2. Then take the total length in inches and multiply by two.

For example, an 11″ beard would be:

11 x 2 = 22 beard points

Step 6: Calculate the Total Score

To arrive at the final overall score:

1. Add up the turkey’s weight in pounds and ounces.

2. Add the spur points.

3. Add the beard points.

The total of these three is the final score!

For example, a turkey weighing 19.5 lbs, with 21.25 spur points and 22 beard points would have a total score of 62.75.

That covers the complete scoring process in six simple steps! Now you can confidently score your turkey to see how it ranks.

Submitting Your Score for Recognition

To make your gobbler’s score official, you’ll need to submit it to the appropriate record books:

• NWTF – The National Wild Turkey Federation maintains the official national database of scored birds. You can submit through their website or mobile app.

• Local hunting groups – Check if your local hunting clubs or conservation groups keep regional records.

• State records – Many state wildlife agencies also have turkey scoring records you can submit to.

Be sure to include photos and all scoring details like date, location, and hunter when submitting to any records book. Scoring allows you to benchmark your success and see how your trophy gobbler compares to others taken across the country.

Checking Current Records and Rankings

Once you have officially scored and submitted your turkey, it’s time to see how it compares:

• NWTF scoring database – Check online to see national and state rankings across various categories.

• Local group records – Connect with your hunting clubs and groups to compare within your regional rivals.

• State records – Check with your state wildlife agency to see where your bird ranks among top in-state gobblers.

Competing for a top spot on the leaderboards is a fun way to fuel your turkey hunting motivation. Scoring allows you to quantify and benchmark your success against fellow hunters.

Scoring Variations Between Organizations

While the NWTF scoring system is the national standard, be aware that some local groups and competitions may use slight variations. Always check the specific formula and rules before submitting. Minor differences you may encounter include:

• Spur points multiplied by 8 instead of 10.

• No ounces included in weight score.

• Shorter minimum beard lengths.

• Additional measurements like wing length.

So be sure you know the particular scoring criteria before recording measurements to submit to any organization.

Scoring Your Turkey for Personal Satisfaction

Even if you have no plans to submit your turkey to records, scoring can still be rewarding for your own sense of accomplishment. By quantifying the quality of your harvest, you can set personal goals and thresholds for a trophy bird.

Maybe any turkey scoring over 60 points is a trophy for your standards. Or perhaps you’d consider a 20 pounder with 10″ beard as your dream gobbler.

Scoring provides concrete numbers to help you reflect on success for each hunt. It can give you benchmarks to strive for on future seasons pursuing your personal best turkey.

As we’ve covered, scoring a wild turkey is straightforward once you know the basic steps. While not mandatory, scoring enhances the thrill of a successful hunt by adding concrete metrics to quantify your trophy. Consider putting your next spring gobbler’s beard, spurs, and weight to the test! Competing for bragging rights and recognition makes the turkey hunting experience even more rewarding.