Boone & Crockett Damaged Antler, Horn and Skull Policy

[Wayne R]

Since we as taxidermists can repair these damages with out a second thought, and since I just measured a damaged black bear skull for B&C, I figured I'd pass this information along for those who may not already know. The policy up until a few years ago, was that a trophy could only be measured up to where the part was broken off. The policy now is, if the broken part is at hand can be placed back in such a way to be measured, it will be included in total measurement, if it is sent to B&C headquarters for them to measure, at the hunter's expense. It is important to note that this part (can not) be repaired, which is why I posted this here.

The bear skull that was damaged was a MA black bear that ran into a tree after being shot, and piece of the skull could be removed and fitted back in the same spot. After a few email photos were exchanged, B&C decided this was a candidate for this new policy. The skull was shipped to them and now MA has new state record black bear. So if a trophy has potential for the books and the hunter may be interested in that, before you repair it, you may want to discuss that option with them.

Currently P&Y does (not) accept this policy but Longhunters does. This does not mean a broken or split skull plate on antler game would be accepted.

[Skullery]

Thanks Wayne, that is good info as i do alot of bear skulls.  What did that one score?  I have done some really big ones the last year or so, including a 22-11, 22-9 a good year ago and those were official B&C scores too.  This year i did another monster that will probable end up 22-10 or 22-11.  We are talking two top ten in the book here.  Yes, Northern Wisconsin does have some good bear, as this is where these all came from.  I also did another one that goes about 22-4.  Pretty amazing, yes.  Skullery

[Wayne R]

Skullery,

It sounds like you have some great bears in your area. Here in MA we are struggling to get bears in the books. I measured one for the Awards program last year, but this is the first to go over the 21" mark. It measured at 21 2/16. I think it has more to do with a lot of the hunters not being aware that they need to keep the skull on these animals for the book. For a small populated state we take on the average of 150 bears a year. The broken skull on this bear I think isn't as common as broken points on deer. I think this is were the policy on damaged trophies will have the most impact.

[Skullery]

Wayne  You say if the broken part can be placed back in such a way it can be included in the total measurement.  Would that include when they saw off the back portion of the head.  That is quite common to see , especially in a larger bear.  When i clean these kind of skulls i glue the portion back on, which is easy since it is a nice smooth straight cut.  I've seen too many guys, or whoever does it for them, ruin a once in a lifetime trophy because of that.  Taxidermist have been guilty of that too and should know better.    Thanks.....Skullery

[Wayne R]

Skullery, Interesting question. I don't have a definitive answer for you, and I am working on getting one. Hopefully I will have one for you as shortly as possible. I will say this, that each case is treated on an individual basis. When the "broken" piece is put back they are looking to see how everything lines up and that the piece does in fact belong to that trophy. I'm leaning towards that this would fall into this category but it is pure speculation on my part.

[Wayne R]

Skullery,

I just heard back from the director of Records of B&C. To answer your question, they have measured at least one bear skull with that very problem of having part of it cut off by a butcher. Just keep in mind that each case is handled on an individual bases, and they need to be certain that the pieces belong together.  Hope that answer what you wanted to know.

[Skullery]

Wayne, thanks so much for checking into it.  I am glad to hear that they will consider those special cases.  Good news.  Thanks again.    Skullery