Understanding G1-G6 Measurements | Elk & Deer Scoring Guide
Understanding G1-G6 Measurements: The Foundation of Field Judging Elk and Deer
The short answer — G1 through G6 measurements are the individual antler points used in Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young scoring systems, and understanding them is one of the fastest ways to become a better field judge
Every hunter has heard someone say:
"That bull has great thirds."
"Look at those fifths."
"His G2s are huge."
For newer hunters, those terms can sound confusing.
For experienced hunters, they immediately paint a picture of an animal's trophy potential.
Learning G1-G6 measurements is one of the most important skills a hunter can develop because these measurements directly contribute to:
Boone & Crockett scores
Pope & Young scores
Trophy evaluation
Field judging accuracy
Whether you're judging:
Elk
Whitetails
Mule deer
understanding antler terminology helps you quickly evaluate animals in the field.
What Does "G" Mean?
The letter "G" simply refers to:
Growth Point
Each tine on an antler receives a number based on its location.
The numbering starts closest to the skull and works outward.
This standardized system allows scorers to communicate antler characteristics consistently.
Why Hunters Talk About G Measurements
Every antler point contributes score.
Some points contribute more than others.
When hunters discuss:
Great thirds
Huge fifths
Long brows
they're referring to specific G measurements.
Understanding these points helps hunters estimate score quickly.
Understanding the Antler Layout
For elk, the standard progression is:
G1
G2
G3
G4
G5
G6
Beginning at the antler base and moving toward the tip.
Each point has a specific location.
G1: The Brow Tine
The G1 is the first point above the burr.
Located:
Closest to the skull
Above the eye area
Hunters commonly call this:
Brow tine
Brow point
Average elk G1:
- 8–12 inches
Good G1:
- 13–15 inches
Exceptional G1:
- 16+ inches
Long brow tines immediately increase score.
Why Brow Tines Matter
Many hunters underestimate G1s.
Strong brows:
Add score
Add character
Indicate maturity
Large G1s often stand out immediately when glassing.
G2: The Money Point
The G2 is typically the second point from the base.
For elk, this is often the longest point on the antler.
Average G2:
- 12–15 inches
Good G2:
- 16–18 inches
Exceptional G2:
- 20+ inches
When hunters talk about "swords," they're often referring to huge G2s.
Why G2s Matter So Much
Long G2s create score quickly.
A bull carrying:
- 20-inch G2s
can gain several inches over similar bulls with average points.
Many giant bulls possess extraordinary second points.
G3: The Third Point
The G3 sits directly above the G2.
This point contributes heavily to overall score.
Average G3:
- 10–14 inches
Good G3:
- 15–17 inches
Exceptional G3:
- 18+ inches
Strong thirds are often one of the first signs of a mature bull.
Why Hunters Love Great Thirds
Many experienced hunters evaluate thirds first.
Long thirds often indicate:
Mature age
Excellent genetics
Trophy potential
A bull with great thirds usually deserves attention.
G4: The Fourth Point
The G4 often separates average bulls from mature bulls.
Average G4:
- 8–12 inches
Good G4:
- 13–15 inches
Exceptional G4:
- 16+ inches
Younger bulls frequently lack strong fourth points.
Whale Tails Often Begin Here
Many famous "whale tail" bulls display:
Long G4s
Long G5s
that sweep outward dramatically.
These points create tremendous visual appeal.
G5: The Fifth Point
The G5 is often one of the most important measurements on trophy elk.
Average G5:
- 6–10 inches
Good G5:
- 11–13 inches
Exceptional G5:
- 14+ inches
Strong fifths create score rapidly.
Many bulls that jump from 320 to 340 inches do so because of fifth-point development.
Why Fifths Separate Giants
Average bulls often have:
- Moderate fifths
Exceptional bulls frequently carry:
- Long heavy fifths
This is one reason giant bulls look so impressive from behind.
G6: The Sixth Point
The G6 is the final point on most six-point bulls.
Not every bull carries significant sixths.
Average G6:
- 4–8 inches
Good G6:
- 9–11 inches
Exceptional G6:
- 12+ inches
Large sixth points often indicate advanced maturity.
What About Seven-Point Bulls?
Occasionally elk develop:
G7s
Extra points
Abnormal growth
These points contribute differently depending on scoring category.
Some become:
Non-typical points
Abnormal points
under Boone & Crockett rules.
How G Measurements Affect Score
Let's compare two bulls.
Bull A
Average G2s
Average G3s
Average G5s
Bull B
20-inch G2s
18-inch G3s
14-inch G5s
Bull B may score:
- 20–30 inches higher
simply because of point length.
Point length matters.
A lot.
G Measurements in Whitetails
Whitetails use the same numbering system.
The progression includes:
G1
G2
G3
G4
Most commonly.
Large whitetails may also develop:
G5s
Extra points
The system remains the same.
G Measurements in Mule Deer
Mule deer scoring differs because of forked antlers.
However, scorers still identify:
Typical points
Forks
Growth points
during measurement.
The terminology becomes slightly different.
Learning Antlers Through Optics
One of the best ways to improve field judging is studying antlers through quality optics.
Observe:
Tine length
Tine position
Symmetry
The more animals you evaluate, the faster G measurements become recognizable.
🔗 Internal Backlink:
Best Binocular Setups
How G Measurements Help Field Judging
Experienced hunters often estimate score by evaluating:
G2 length
G3 length
G5 length
Beam length
Mass
These measurements quickly reveal whether an animal is:
Average
Mature
Trophy class
Understanding point length dramatically improves field judging accuracy.
Common G Measurement Mistakes
Hunters often:
Focus only on spread
Ignore thirds
Ignore fifths
Overestimate point length
Forget mass
Mass and point length generally create score.
Not width alone.
Why Every Hunter Should Learn G Measurements
Learning G1-G6 terminology allows hunters to:
Communicate effectively
Judge animals faster
Understand scoring systems
Evaluate trophies accurately
It's one of the most useful skills a western hunter can develop.
How TAGZ Helps Hunters Evaluate Trophy Potential
TAGZ helps hunters identify quality opportunities before season starts.
TAGZ helps hunters:
Research units
Analyze draw odds
Compare opportunities
Build hunt plans
so when a mature bull appears, you're prepared to evaluate him confidently.
Internal Backlinks
Boone & Crockett Scoring Simplified: How to Judge Big Game Without Overthinking It | TAGZ Insights
How to Field Judge Whitetail Deer | Complete Buck Scoring Guide | TAGZ Insights
Best Optics for Elk Hunting | Binoculars, Spotting Scopes & Glassing Strategy | TAGZ Insights
FAQ — Understanding G1-G6 Measurements
What is a G1?
The G1 is the brow tine, the first point above the antler burr.
Which G measurement is usually the longest?
For elk, the G2 is often the longest point.
What are "thirds" on an elk?
Thirds refer to the G3 measurement.
What are "fifths" on an elk?
Fifths refer to the G5 measurement.
Why are G measurements important?
They contribute directly to Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young scores while helping hunters field judge animals.
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