Archery hunting is a challenging sport that requires hunters to get much closer to their game than they would with a rifle. Because of this, archery hunters tend to emphasize ethical and responsible hunting practices.
One of the leading organizations promoting these values, as well as wildlife conservation, is the Pope & Young Club. They also maintain records of trophy animals taken with archery equipment.
This article will cover the Pope & Young Club, how their scoring system works, and why the Pope and Young score is so important in the world of archery hunting.
History and Philosophy of the Pope & Young Club
The Pope & Young Club was founded in 1961, inspired by the lives and work of Dr. Saxton Pope and Arthur Young, avid bowhunters and outdoorsmen. Pope’s bond with Ishi, the last member of the Yahi tribe, helped shape the club’s core principles.
At the heart of the Pope & Young Club is the concept of “Fair Chase,” which means hunting ethically and respecting wildlife. This includes adhering to responsible hunting practices and ensuring the sustainable management of animal populations.
The club is dedicated to conserving wildlife and preserving habitats. It also keeps detailed records of animals harvested using archery equipment, contributing to scientific knowledge and conservation efforts.
Pope & Young vs. Boone & Crockett
The Boone & Crockett Club and the Pope & Young Club both keep records of big game trophies, but there are a few key differences.
Boone & Crockett recognizes animals taken by any legal hunting method. Pope & Young, however, only recognizes animals taken with a bow and arrow.
Pope & Young also has very specific rules about what makes an animal eligible for their record books. For example, the animal must have been taken in a way that adheres to the Club’s principles of fair chase and ethical hunting.
Both clubs share a commitment to conservation and promoting responsible hunting practices.
Pope & Young requirements and eligibility
The Pope & Young Club has a few requirements you’ll need to meet if you want to enter your trophy.
Fair chase principles
First, you need to have followed the club’s Rules of Fair Chase, which emphasizes ethical hunting practices and respect for wildlife. You also need to have followed all state and provincial game laws.
Trophy submission requirements
There are also minimum score requirements for different species. Here are a few:
- Typical whitetail: 125 inches
- Non-typical whitetail: 155 inches
- Typical mule deer: 145 inches
- Non-typical mule deer: 170 inches
- Coues deer: 70/80 inches (typical/non-typical)
- Columbian black-tailed deer: 95/115 inches (typical/non-typical)
- Sitka blacktails: 75 inches
Finally, trophies need to be stored for a minimum of 60 days at normal room temperature and humidity before they can be officially scored.
Measurements and Scoring
The Pope & Young Club has detailed measurement and scoring criteria for different game species. Familiarizing yourself with these criteria can help you evaluate the trophy potential of an animal while you’re still out in the field.
Scoring is based on specific measurements of antlers, horns, or skulls.
Scoring examples: Whitetail deer
When it comes to scoring whitetail deer antlers, here are a few of the measurements that matter:
- Main beam length
- Tine length
- Inside spread
The Pope & Young Club distinguishes between typical and non-typical antler configurations. Scoring is different for non-typical racks, as abnormal points are counted in the final score.
Importance of official scorers
To ensure accuracy and consistency, it’s important to have your trophies officially scored by a certified Pope & Young measurer. These trained scorers follow specific guidelines to ensure that all measurements are taken correctly, providing a fair and objective assessment of the trophy’s score.
Pope & Young World Records
The Pope & Young Club keeps records of the highest-scoring animals taken by bowhunters across North America. These records are broken down by species and category (typical vs. non-typical antlers, for example).
Some notable records include:
- Mel Johnson’s 1965 world record typical whitetail deer, which scored 204 4/8.
- Luke Brewster’s 2019 world record non-typical whitetail deer, which scored a whopping 327 7/8.
These records represent the absolute best of the best in archery hunting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Pope and Young requirements?
To qualify for the Pope and Young Club’s records, a harvested animal must be taken with archery equipment under fair chase principles. The animal must also meet or exceed the minimum score for its species, and the hunt must adhere to all applicable game laws and regulations.
What is Boone and Crockett scoring vs Pope and Young?
Both organizations score big game animals, but Boone and Crockett primarily focuses on North American big game taken with firearms. Pope and Young focuses on animals taken with archery equipment. Boone and Crockett typically requires a larger minimum score than Pope and Young for the same species.
What is a Pope and Young score?
A Pope and Young score is a numerical value assigned to a harvested big game animal based on measurements of its antlers, horns, or skull. The scoring system varies depending on the species and considers factors like length, width, and symmetry. This score determines if the animal qualifies for entry into the Pope and Young Club’s records.
What score for Pope and Young Buck?
The minimum Pope and Young score for a typical whitetail deer buck is 125 inches. For a non-typical whitetail, the minimum score is 155 inches. Remember, these are just the minimums – many bucks score much higher. Always double-check the Pope and Young website for the most up-to-date and specific scoring requirements.
Conclusion
The Pope & Young Club is a leader in ethical archery hunting and conservation. By emphasizing fair chase and maintaining meticulous records, the club sets a high bar for bowhunters everywhere.
Understanding the Pope & Young scoring system is valuable to bowhunters, even if they don’t plan to submit a trophy. It can enrich your hunting experience and encourage responsible trophy management.
I encourage you to learn more about the Pope & Young Club and its important mission. Visit their website or attend one of their events to connect with like-minded hunters and conservationists.