Verify the deer is legally and ethically harvested before handling antlers
Use a standard scoring system such as Boone and Crockett or Pope and Young
Measure the inside spread of the main beams
Measure each main beam from the base to the tip along the center line
Measure all normal tine lengths on both antlers
Measure each antler mass at four locations per side
Measure any abnormal points separately if the system requires it
Record all measurements in inches using a flexible steel tape
Add the measurements for both sides according to the chosen scoring system
Subtract any side-to-side differences and abnormal deductions if applicable
Compare the final score to the official minimums for the record category
Have an official scorer verify the measurements if needed