Who does the measuring and when does it happen?

[migrabill]

I have read some posts on here that say don't worry about the measurements and the SCI minimums. I will be going to Africa for the first time in June of 2024. Unfortunately I probably will not ever be able to go a second time. For the money I'm going to pay, I definitely AM going to worry about horn size.
So, with that said... Who does it and when? I understand there may be a given period of time before the measurements are done. Does that mean the taxidermist does them? If so, how does he report them? Will the PH do some initial measurements? Are they often far off from the measurements taken later? How do you get the official measurement reports to SCI?
Thanks for your help!

 

[BRICKBURN]

https://rowlandward.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/rowland-ward-measuring-instruc_general.pdf

https://rowlandward.org/measurements/

Forms and Manual . Complete how to.

https://safariclub.org/official-measuring-forms/

https://safariclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SCI-Measuring-Manual-Sept-2019.pdf

 

[BRICKBURN]

Do some reading in the links provided.
If you are really into measuring your trophies. Download the forms, read them, drag a tape along and follow the instructions yourself.

Official measurers are on a list. Get your trophies to one, pay your fees and get your official certficate.

I have plenty of African trophies that are qualified for Rowland Ward which surpasses SCI Gold and not one is entered in "the book".

Trophy Judging had better happen on the hoof. You can also learn a little about that.

 

[migrabill]

Do some reading in the links provided.
If you are really into measuring your trophies. Download the forms, read them, drag a tape along and follow the instructions yourself.

Official measurers are on a list. Get your trophies to one, pay your fees and get your official certficate.

I have plenty of African trophies that are qualified for Rowland Ward which surpasses SCI Gold and not one is entered in "the book".

Trophy Judging had better happen on the hoof. You can also learn a little about that.

Sir,
Please excuse my ignorance as I am new to this. I plan on having my animals shoulder mounted. You said to get my trophies to an official measurer. How do I do that if I am in the USA and they are at the taxidermy shop in RSA? Is it too late to do that once my mounts ship to me?
Thanx again for your help. And I will definitely read the attached forms.

 

[JimP]

Judging size on the hoof is tough for us that don't hunt Africa enough to really learn.

Listen to your PH, tell him what you expect. If you are happy with a animal that meets the bare minimum tell him. If you want one that is well upwards in the score, tell him. But be willing to accept less if you don't find what you really expect.

I passed up a very large black wildebeest last June that I now kick myself at times but I already have a SCI black wildebeest on my wall.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Sir,
Please excuse my ignorance as I am new to this. I plan on having my animals shoulder mounted. You said to get my trophies to an official measurer. How do I do that if I am in the USA and they are at the taxidermy shop in RSA? Is it too late to do that once my mounts ship to me?
Thanx again for your help. And I will definitely read the attached forms.

There are lists of measurers and there are plenty in the USA, etc.
Most plains game can be measured after the mounting is done.

They can be measured anytime after the drying period. It is fine to get it done at home.
http://member.scifirstforhunters.org/static/Measurer-Search/index.cfm?action=Search

 

[Flipper Dude]

What sizes are you looking for? Curious what a guy would be looking for in African plains game

 

[migrabill]

What sizes are you looking for? Curious what a guy would be looking for in African plains game

I am new to this, so I am still in the leaning phase, but my initial thoughts is that I want all of animals in the SCI book. I'm not really concerned with what medal status they are.

 

[CoElkHunter]

From my ONE African PG hunt and many more elk, deer and pronghorn hunts here, a trophy is in the eyes of the beholder. A hard hunt with difficult conditions all adds to what a "trophy" animal is to me. A "trophy" to me is the time and toil spent on harvesting a mature animal within given time and conditions. The actual HUNT is my trophy EVERYTIME!

 

[wesheltonj]

Your PH or Outfitter is going to give you a green score based on SCI. Some outfitters charge by the score. Next, you can get your dry score either in RSA or in the USA. You will want to download the forms and complete your personal information to give to the scorer. If you do it RSA, you can have the score sheets scanned and email back. You are also going to need field photos, one from each side and one from the front. Rowland Ward scores different from SCI. On PG they score on the longest horn dry.

SCI bronze is a nice trophy, silver is a very good animal and gold is a great one. One that makes Rowland Ward is an exceptional animal.

 

[James.Grage]

I am new to this, so I am still in the leaning phase, but my initial thoughts is that I want all of animals in the SCI book. I'm not really concerned with what medal status they are.

You did not say what country you will be hunting.

i suggest you ask your PH to find you to the best he can find.

Using SCI scoring, you should also let your PH know that you are looking for bronze or better.

Bering a hunter in the USA, would you like to shoot a 5 or 6 point a side whitetail or a spike buck.

What you are looking for is a good representative of the animal being hunted and SCI scoring will keep you from shooting a spike buck whitetail.

i my self like the Namibia scoring system. If a PH has his clients shoot inferior animals, his license is in jeopardy. Meaning the PH wants you to shoot silver and gold scoring animals.

 

[migrabill]

Your PH or Outfitter is going to give you a green score based on SCI. Some outfitters charge by the score. Next, you can get your dry score either in RSA or in the USA. You will want to download the forms and complete your personal information to give to the scorer. If you do it RSA, you can have the score sheets scanned and email back. You are also going to need field photos, one from each side and one from the front. Rowland Ward scores different from SCI. On PG they score on the longest horn dry.

SCI bronze is a nice trophy, silver is a very good animal and gold is a great one. One that makes Rowland Ward is an exceptional animal.

Thank you. Very helpful.

 

[Siennacoyote]

Sir,
Please excuse my ignorance as I am new to this. I plan on having my animals shoulder mounted. You said to get my trophies to an official measurer. How do I do that if I am in the USA and they are at the taxidermy shop in RSA? Is it too late to do that once my mounts ship to me?
Thanx again for your help. And I will definitely read the attached forms.

I’m new as well and have never been to Africa . Hell I’ve only been hunting a few years but I’m reading this thread and I’m thinking to myself that this is tough to comprehend . I mean this respectfully but I know how it sounds in my head . You don’t understand the sci measurements and the process but it’s absolutely required your animals make the book. I feel like you are setting yourself up to not enjoy the hunt that you are partaking in. I read a lot on here to take what Africa gives you . Sure maybe pursue a trophy the in that incredible sci medal or whatever but don’t let it become such a focus that it ruins the hunt. With that said best of luck I hope you smash your wishlist and get those golds

 

[JimP]

One thing that a person does if he expects nothing but "book" animals is sets himself up for failure.

A missed shot, blown stalk, and you may be going home empty handed.

 

[migrabill]

I’m new as well and have never been to Africa . Hell I’ve only been hunting a few years but I’m reading this thread and I’m thinking to myself that this is tough to comprehend . I mean this respectfully but I know how it sounds in my head . You don’t understand the sci measurements and the process but it’s absolutely required your animals make the book. I feel like you are setting yourself up to not enjoy the hunt that you are partaking in. I read a lot on here to take what Africa gives you . Sure maybe pursue a trophy the in that incredible sci medal or whatever but don’t let it become such a focus that it ruins the hunt. With that said best of luck I hope you smash your wishlist and get those golds

Very fair points Sir. Let me try to explain. I am new to Africa but not new to hunting. I have hunted for over 30 years and have taken world class animals. But I am clueless when it comes to Africa. I have 4 friends that have hunted with the outfitter i am going with in Africa. One friend has taken 30 animals with this PH and all 30 have been SCI animals. Another has taken 15 with him, and 14 are in the book. It’s not like that’s a must for me, just kind of a really good chance. Even if just one animal I take is good enough to get in the book I just want to know the process. It would suck if lack of knowledge led to me making a crucial error. I will take what Africa gives me. If I come home empty handed but saw 10 African sun sets, I will be richer for it. I am not going out demanding a certain type or quality of animal, I am just preparing for what all my friends tell me is probable.

 

[migrabill]

One thing that a person does if he expects nothing but "book" animals is sets himself up for failure.

A missed shot, blown stalk, and you may be going home empty handed.

I expect nothing but to experience Africa in all her beauty. I will take what Africa and the Good Lord presents me with. But… I shall be prepared to know what steps to take shall Africa and God bless me.

 

[Siennacoyote]

Very fair points Sir. Let me try to explain. I am new to Africa but not new to hunting. I have hunted for over 30 years and have taken world class animals. But I am clueless when it comes to Africa. I have 4 friends that have hunted with the outfitter i am going with in Africa. One friend has taken 30 animals with this PH and all 30 have been SCI animals. Another has taken 15 with him, and 14 are in the book. It’s not like that’s a must for me, just kind of a really good chance. Even if just one animal I take is good enough to get in the book I just want to know the process. It would suck if lack of knowledge led to me making a crucial error. I will take what Africa gives me. If I come home empty handed but saw 10 African sun sets, I will be richer for it. I am not going out demanding a certain type or quality of animal, I am just preparing for what all my friends tell me is probable.

That makes sense . Can’t wait for the hunting report . I live on those things

 

[375Fox]

The reason a lot of members say not to worry about the inches is because it puts pressure on your PH and yourself from day 1 of the hunt. Telling your PH you’d like exceptional animals for area is different than saying you are hunting for the book. Something about Africa is you really don’t see young animals taken. It’s not like Colorado where one outfitter generally hunts 2.5 year old bulls and other hunts trophy bulls. Generally all plains game taken are fully mature animals with nice horns although some are still older than others. Educating yourself on measurements is a good thing, but generally the SCI minimums really are that, just minimum for what’s considered a quality trophy. It’s not in the same class as B&C or Rowland ward. I’ve taken 9 kudu I think all but one would qualify for SCI minimum. SCI minimum kudu is 121. Both horn length plus both bases, so most 50 inch kudu will qualify, which is generally accepted trophy size on a greater kudu. I’d educate yourself on measurements but not worry about official measurements.

 

[Red Leg]

Sir,
Please excuse my ignorance as I am new to this. I plan on having my animals shoulder mounted. You said to get my trophies to an official measurer. How do I do that if I am in the USA and they are at the taxidermy shop in RSA? Is it too late to do that once my mounts ship to me?
Thanx again for your help. And I will definitely read the attached forms.

The official measurement for SCI or Rowland and Ward is your responsibility not your PH's. His job is to get you the best animal he can find in the allotted time period, or in some areas, the best you can afford. Most stateside taxidermists will have access to an official measurer, and for a price, they will be delighted to measure them for you. Typically, your PH will measure them green as part of their record keeping, but those are not official scores.

 

[migrabill]

The official measurement for SCI or Rowland and Ward is your responsibility not your PH's. His job is to get you the best animal he can find in the allotted time period, or in some areas, the best you can afford. Most stateside taxidermists will have access to an official measurer, and for a price, they will be delighted to measure them for you. Typically, your PH will measure them green as part of their record keeping, but those are not official scores.

Very helpful. Thank you.