Pope and Young Club Announces Change to Non-Typical Whitetail Deer Category

By Dylan Ray - February 3, 2025

Pope and Young Club Announces Change to Non-Typical Whitetail Deer Category
The Pope and Young Club, America’s leading bowhunting organization, is pleased to announce a change to 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 (15”) to ten inches (10”), respectively.  Additionally, the Board also agreed to lower the minimum entry score for non-typical whitetail deer from 155” to 145”.

“When we implemented the fifteen (15”) 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.  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 (10”) of abnormal points was a more appropriate number, with the minimum score of 145”, explained P&Y Records Chairman, Roy Grace.

This change took effect on January 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.  If you would like the office to print and mail you a new certificate, we would be happy to fulfill that request for a minimal cost. This entire process will take a little time for staff to complete, so your patience is welcomed.

If you feel your non-typical whitetail deer may now meet this requirement, feel free to contact the nearest official measurer near you.  To find a measurer in your area, look on our Find A Measurer webpage: https://pope-young.org/Find-a-Measurer. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the records program at the Pope and Young Club at records@pope-young.org.

About Pope and Young:
The Pope and Young Club is North America's leading voice and supporter of bowhunting and related conservation issues and projects. If you are a fair chase, ethical bowhunter, and you care about preserving, protecting, and promoting the culture and future of bowhunting, then you should belong to the Pope and Young Club. Join today at www.pope-young.org.
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