New Zealand Red Stag Trophy Systems |
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There are three major scoring systems used for trophies in New Zealand. The system you'll use is most likely going to be based on where you come from, not where the trophy is taken.
Safari Club International (SCI) |
Most used by hunters from North and South America. The system recognizes both free-range and estate hunted animals, with no deductions for asymmetry. SCI maintains an online record book. The SCI main website is here, and their online official measuring manual is here. The number of points for each medal category vary from year to year. |
Douglas Score |
Most used by hunters from New Zealand and Australia, this scoring system was developed by Norman Douglas, a member of the New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association (NZDA), and adopted by the NZDA as its official scoring system in 1959. Trophies are judged on the number of points and the spread of the antlers. More information on the Douglas scoring system is here. |
CIC |
Most used by hunters from Europe. The CIC Measurement Formulas were established in 1934, and take into consideration not just dimensional measurements, but also awards points for "beauty", a factor for weight, and subtracts points for imperfections. More information on the CIC formulas and medal categories can be found here. |
Typical Measurements
Stags will generally weigh 300 to 350 pounds, and stand 45-55 inches high at the shoulder. The hinds tend to be much smaller. A good set of antlers on a stag will have 6 points per side, with the outermost tines often forming a crown. Skulls of trophy red stag typically range from 16" to 18".
Records
The most points on a stag was 40, recorded in 1973 on the South Island. The longest red stag antlers recorded in New Zealand measured 50 1/2", on a stag taken in 1949 on the South Island as well.