Changes in Record Books Announced

by
posted on February 18, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
LEDE Changes In Record Books Announced

Boone and Crockett

The Boone and Crockett Club recently voted unanimously to expand the boundary for Shiras’ moose to include the state of Nevada. The distribution of moose in the western United States was updated in 2015 to include northeast Nevada and management through the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has allowed the state’s moose population to continue to expand and grow. The agency has determined that hunter harvest is sustainable and could also provide critical biological information. As a result, NDOW approached the Club about adding moose hunted in Nevada to the organization’s big game records-keeping program.

“We are happy to promote a conservation success story where an iconic western big game species like Shiras’ moose have grown enough in population to support a regulated hunting program,” commented Kyle Lehr, Boone and Crockett Club director of big game records. “Adding Nevada to the boundary for Shiras’ moose celebrates this accomplishment and allows the agency and B&C to gather critical data about the species. Measuring both hunter-harvested or found bull moose antlers creates a data set that shows how management of habitat can support a thriving moose population that can produce mature males.”

Pope and Young

The Pope and Young Club, America’s leading bowhunting organization, has changed the minimum score required for non-typical whitetail deer. In December of 2024 the Board of Directors, at the recommendation of the records committee, agreed to lower the required number of abnormal points (in inches) for non-typical whitetail deer from fifteen inches to ten inches, respectively. Additionally, the Board also agreed to lower the minimum entry score for non-typical whitetail deer from 155 inches to 145.

“When we implemented the fifteen [inches] of abnormal points required twenty-four years ago, many of our members and measurers felt that number may have been too high, especially when compared to our other deer species,” explained Pope and Young Club records chairman Roy Grace. “So, with twenty-four years of additional data to review and analyze, the committee concluded that it was, in fact, too high. The data suggested that ten inches of abnormal points was a more appropriate number, with the minimum score of 145.”

This change took effect on Jan. 1, 2025, and is retroactive. Those trophies already in the records system that meet this criterion will be moved to the appropriate category and the trophy owner(s) notified. New certificates will be available for trophy owners affected by this change via e-mail at no charge. Hunters who would like the office to print and mail a new certificate, can receive one for a minimal cost. This process will take a little time for staff to complete, so please be patient while they complete the request.

Latest

Largest Crowd Ever
Largest Crowd Ever

Clemson University Conservation Program Reaches Endowment Goal

The Boone and Crockett Club recently announced the wildlife conservation program at Clemson University has reached its $5 million endowment goal. Thanks to more than a decade of fundraising and support led by club member Johnny Evans—and other key contributors—the studies at the school focusing on sound, scientific wildlife conservation will continue into the future.

Know How: First Guns for Junior Shooters

Curious what gun to start out a junior shooter on? Bryce Towsley is a man with experience. Read on for some tips on what to get the young hunter in your life.

New for 2026: Kent Cartridge Southern Reserve Dove

Kent Cartridge introduces Southern Reserve Dove, a purpose-built load designed for fast shooting and performance in the dove fields.

#SundayGunday: Springfield Armory SA-35 4"

Springfield's SA-35 4” maintains the “wood and steel” vibes of yesteryear, with a blued finish on the gun’s carbon steel, and checkered walnut grips. Curious about this updated version of a true classic? Check out this exclusive edition of #SundayGunday.

Will Grizzly Bear Management be Returned to the States?

When the grizzly bear in the Lower 48 was given Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection as a threatened species in 1975, it was supposed to be a temporary protection that would be lifted once populations met or exceeded specific goals. Now more than a half century later and with grizzly populations that have spread and met or far surpassed the goals set in 1975.

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has launched its LCO Pro F2 red-dot sight, combining optical clarity, reliability and purpose-built features in a full-sized red dot.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.