The Esterhazy Wildlife Federation recently held a horn measuring contest! I spoke to Scott from the Federation about the contest. Gina Haley’s elk scored 309 4/8” net typical score.
The measuring they do follows the Henry Kelsey measuring system, which is a provincial system for scoring big game heads. It is based on the Boone and Crockett system which is the North American system. The main difference between the systems is that the Boone and Crockett system requires a sixty-day drying period for the antlers and heads while the Henry Kelsey system does not have a drying period. They have three members of the club who are official Henry Kelsey measurers (one of which is also an official Boone and Crockett measurer), and one is also a member and measurer for the Valleyview Wildlife Club. The measuring consists of following a scoring sheet of required measurements such as tine lengths, circumferences, spreads, etc., depending on the type of big game animal being measured. Different species require different measurements in some cases. Scott mentioned, “At our club measuring we had primarily white-tailed deer, but also had mule deer, bear, elk, moose, and antelope.”
They had a total of 36 heads this year to measure. This is about average for them, but the quality and size of the antlers, mostly from white tailed deer, this year seemed to be better than it has been the last few years. Scott said that people come and watch the measuring. Mostly the local hunters that have brought their animals to be measured, but also those interested in seeing some of the animals that were harvested. He said, “There is always a lot of sharing of stories and pictures of the past hunting season. Many like to observe and ask questions on how different types of heads are scored. With COVID-19 and social distancing though, there were a few less people than normal interacting at the hall.”
They have an adult category and a junior category (age 16 and under) for all the Saskatchewan big game. They also have an award for Ladies Overall Big Game. As well they have awards for fish (in the summer and winter), waterfowl, and wildlife and scenic photography. The awards are presented at their annual supper and awards night fundraiser which usually happens at the beginning of March. Unfortunately, they could not have a banquet due to COVID-19 restrictions but are hoping to do one soon.
They are working on a trout pond which is still a few years away. They also do their best to support other clubs involved in related fields such as youth archery and the Esterhazy Biathlon Club. As well as the maintenance and upkeep of their gun range which is the main reason for their membership base.
By: Mallory Johnson