27" Ears

Daxter

Very Active Member
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1,425
I had to post something that didn't have anything to do with Jim Zumbo. This is a buck I shot in Idaho last year. Not a big one by any means, but good for a general tag. He had 27" ears. The buck is at a slight angle in the photos so it is not the best, but you can see that he has really big, wide ears. How common is this? I would say the other bucks I have shot average 22-24" ears.

Dax

27inchears.jpg
 
Kind of depends on who you ask.
Take Bittersweetmuleymeat, for example you'd probably get a no.
BCboy, probably get a yes. :)
 
Those would be Booner ears in SE Wyoming. But some of the pics I've seen from Mexico look like those bucks have huge ears. I know a guy that shot a big deer in New Mexico that suposedly had 27-28" ears. And I would also be curious to hear from the guys in Canada.
 
I know some of you were waiting to see how long it would take before I got snookered in to this post. Thanks for the Pic, what a rarity (or at least in my parts) In my line of work (undisclosed, but legal and ethical) I have had the pleasure of sampling several hundred Mule deer bucks from a few Western states. Widest ears I ever measured on any of those bucks didnt break 27". (Flat, like in the pic)
I'm not getting suckered into this one anymore than I already have, so nice pic and congrats on your buck!

bittersweetmuleymeat

My Grampa always said, "When you start saying you're the man, you're not the man anymore."
 
That would really throw off your field estimation if you were basing width off the ears. Those monsters would make a 30" look average.

When I shoot deer I want the smallest ears around to make the rack look bigger.

Similar to how I like women to have small hands to make my ..... look huge.
 
I don't think they are really common. I would say in SE Idaho you are looking at 20-24" ears.

However, I shot a buck in Western Wyoming in 2003 that had 26" ears. I for one, believe ya!
 
I was holding the ears out straight in the photo because I couldn't believe how wide they were. Here are a couple more photos of the buck. My daughter was with me and she loved it. We had a great hunt.

Dax

DaxandPressmall.jpg


IDBuckB.jpg


IDBuckC.jpg
 
Nice post. Makes you wonder how many guys have passed some NICE bucks by using the ear width for measurement because even though he had great forks and mass..he just wasn't wide enough. Ha Ha!

We have killed some bucks with significantly larger ears. Once we put a couple deer heads side by side and noticed an easy 3-4" difference in ear-width. The bucks were both older-aged bucks from the same canyon.
 
GEE, I saw the title of this post and thought you got a picture of a hunting friends ears.
But the title didn't say 27" ears and "horse teeth" so knew it wasn't him. LOL

Nice buck and congrats to you on the success.

Brian
 
Kilo - I think I have seen your friend at the end of a pizza commercial. LOL.
 
Hey Dax,

My brother shot a deer in Utah county that had 26" ears, measure flat out. And that big buck I shot in Cache county had 27" ears. So it isn't terribly uncommon to have big 'ol ears on big bodied deer.

Jason


Be soft spoken, but carry a big stick.
 
Wow! They're everywhere! I'm gonna get an EARFULL when Wonder Boy gets home!

bittersweetmuleymeat

My Grampa once said, "when you start saying you're the man, you're not the man anymore."
 
Like I've said in other posts, I have measured bucks with 27 inch ears before. I don't think they are really common, but they do exist. When you consider bucks in these parts can get up to 300-400 lbs, it isn't that hard to think that those big bodied deer are gonna have big noggins on them. Just because Bittersweet hasn't ever put a tape on one doesn't mean they can't possibly grow them that size. I've never taped a buck with 40 inch wide antlers, but I am willing to believe they exist. BTW, Bittersweet, how does the crow taste, bitter or sweet? ;)
 
I HAVE ALSO SEEN BIG EARS ON BUCKS BEFORE. DOWN IN NM WE SHOT 2 BUCKS WITH HUGE EARS. IT WAS RIGHT NEXT TO THE JIC AND THE BUCKS WERE VERY OLD. ONE HAD 28 INCH EARS AND THE OTHER WAS 27, THAT IS FLAT OUT. LIKE I SAID BOTH WERE BIG DEER WITH ALOT OF AGE. IT CAN MAKE A 28 TO 30 INCH BUCK NOT LOOK THAT GOOD STANDING THERE LOOKING AT U, THATS FOR SURE.
 
The mexican bucks have 26 inch ears and you can count on it when figuring width. They very long eye to nose measurments too. 8 to 8 1/2 inch.
 
Nice buck. Makes me wonder if a couple of the bucks I've seen we're 32" instead of 27". I too use the general 22-23" as a rule of thumb.

D
 
"I don't really care if you don't believe me either."...

That's a reply of yours regarding the 27" post from some time ago.I'm so glad you care now hunny, I feel all fuzzy and warm inside!


Let me jog your memory if I may. The ORIGINAL 27" ear debate sprouted from a picture of a buck that APPEARED to have a debatable spread, (I didnt debate it, twas another non believer). You said that one poster (again, NOT ME) underestimated the width of the "buck in question" and based your "correction" of his "mistake" on the bucks ear width in the picture. Do you recall what I had questioned was an ear width I HADNT SEEN BEFORE? Here let me help....

Copy and pasted....natural ear position you would use as a reference in the field. 27????? (end quote)

So let me ask you BCboy, straight forward, before I hunt BC in 08. (You know, I wouldnt want to pass on a 30" forkhorn, thinking he's only 24") Is there bucks up there that typically and naturally hold there ears in a position making them 27" on the outer tips? You know (alert), looking at me, as I stumble clumsily though the thickets of your great Province. This I will need to know. Thanks for your expertise! As you are aware, I need it in a BIG way.

bittersweetmuleymeat

Grampa once said, "when you start saying you're the man, you're not the man anymore.
 
Bitter,
Seems you have as 'bout a bad memory as I do for recalling what was said on other posts from months ago. I recall someone saying that the big BC buck that you are refering too had a very narrow spread. All I said was don't be surprised if the spread was larger than he was thinking as some of these big BC bucks have big noggins. I said I had measured bucks with 27 inch ears before. I never said the buck that you are refering to had 27 inch ears now did I? As I recall as soon as I said the words "27 inch ears" you went into hysterics and posted again and again how 27 inch ears were not possible. Heck, I recall you wouldn't let the subject die. You posted again and again about it. Right???? Of course, I could try to pull that old thread up and post your exact words but like you've stated, I could really care less what you think. :)
 
That's it I'm going to send an e-mail to Boone & Crocket suggesting a new category, for ear measurements on muleys, anything over 26" should go book. Plus B&C could collect a lot more dough from MM'er ear aficionados. But to make the book they would require Two official measurements after the drying period from say different schools of thought concerning the matter, I nominate the BCboy & Bittersweet as the 1st two official scores. Than average their scores, that way we'd rest assured the scores are legit :)
This could also include those trophy does from the infamous NE region, of course Bess would be the MM official scorer for that area. In addition to the outside spread there would be a mass measurement & deductions for uneven spreads due to brush's with barb wire fences. :)
 
BFE,
I don't think I could pass the test. I never read the handbook on ear measurements. I guess you have to measure them as if they are in an alert pose??? I don't know, I probably shouldn't of used that rubber tape on those 27 inch bucks I've measured in the past. I'd probably be disqualified as an official ear measurer. :)
 
Sorry I "ASSSSSSUMED" you were refering to THAT buck. (The one in the post that you happened to bring up Dumbo ears in) You must have ACCIDENTALLY brought the subject up in that particular post, but were actually thinking about a picture of another unrelated deer in another unrelated forum, on another unrelated sight (maybe that BC one) MY MISTAKE!
You are a clever little Devil. You oughta get out of the woods, find some suit pants that actually reach your ankles, hang your axe up and finish your law degree. Then you could buy that outfit Im gonna hunt with up there next year, and personally guide me to the biggest monstrocity of a forkhorn I have ever had the chance to throw lead at! I could fill him full of holes, let him get away (makes the story good at least) Then come back a couple weeks later and put his dyin behind out of its missery!
I always wanted to be a superheros sidecick. And you have my word, Im a charmer in tights! Please BCBOY Please!
Wifes callin. Gotta go.

bittersweetmuleymeat

Grampa once said, When you start saying you're the man, you'e not the man anymore.
 
LAST EDITED ON Feb-27-07 AT 10:04PM (MST)[p]Bitter,
You know what they say about ASSUME.

Because I have a bad memory about posts from months ago, I dug up that thread to see what was actually posted.

the ridge posted
"Time to get negative. How wide is the buck? 24"s? Not much of an inside spread! Thats the only negative I can see."

BCBOY posted,
"Theridge,
I betcha you are underestimating the headsize of that pig. I have seen earwidth go from 18 inches on a young buck to 27 inches on a big ol' mature buck. That buck looks like he's got a big noggin."

Bittersweetmuleymeat posted
"27" ears??????? Thats funny!! . Now THATS a trophy!!!! Show me a pic (natural pose) with a tape measure (American inches) from ear tip to ear tip, and Ill be laughing even harder! 27"???"

Bittersweetmuleymeat posted again
"By the way Ridge, Ive scored many a bucks grossing over 200" with 22-24" insides."

Bittersweetmuleymeat posted again
"But I aint NEVER seen no 27" ears!!!"

BCBOY responded
"Bittersweet,
Sorry bout that, that was a typo on my part. Meant to say 26 inch ears. ;) No, seriously, I have measured ear width at 27 before. And no I don't have pics to back up my claim. I don't really care if you don't believe me either. We do grow them big up here in the great white North. Body sizes get bigger the furthur north you go, that is a scientific fact"

Bittersweetmuleymeat responds,
"I see you have some big ears up there but gosh darn, 27" ??? Im talking like natural ear position you would use as a reference in the field. 27????? Im well aware most mammals of a similar species/subspecies tend to have larger bodies further North, unfortunately, it has nothing to do with "how big you grow them" They just kind of grow themselves, unless you stuff them full of beans and corn like they do in Iowa.
Im sure you're well intended but 27"???? Maybe you're measuring tape is wrong and you accidentally measure things a bit bigger? Hmmmmmmmmmm."

Bitter, this last post of yours was on Jan 8. On my MnT thread you posted on Dec 19,
"Curious to know what an official Boone and Crockett Scoresr gives him for a gross, and a net. Sorry if thats been posted on one of these sights, cant find it."

Then the next day Dec 20, you ask the question again,
"Just curious, (for reference purposes) Thats a very intruiging set of antlers. Curious to see what they do on paper."

This was near the end of the thread. I had not given any score on MnT but because you asked twice, I responded on Dec 21,
"Bittersweet,
While I ain't no official scorer, I have learned from a few. I've got MnT grossing 202 inches as a 9x7."

You responded,
"WOW, guess I was wrong, I couldnt get him to paper out that much. Congrats, thats a hard one to top."

Funny how only 2 weeks later you single me out and say, "Maybe you're measuring tape is wrong and you accidentally measure things a bit bigger? Hmmmmmmmmmm."

And then this week you post on the Muley Crazy post right after my post,
"It's always fun to read the "disclaimer" ....
"I'm not an official scorer BUT....."

the "BUT" on most occasions should be followed with....

"I wanted my buck to gross over 200" so I shut myself in a room, measured him with a rubber tape and no way am I gonna let an OFFICIAL B&C scorer put a real tape on it""

So Bittersweet, now that I have done my homework, what's the deal???? You got some issues with me or what????
 
Daxter,

Those pics of you and your daughter are priceless! I hope you have at least one of those in an 8x10" or bigger hanging on a wall in your house.


horsepoop.gif
 
Bittersweet,
I posed the question to ya once before, are you an official B&C measurer??? If not, I wonder if all those "many a bucks grossing over 200" with 22-24" insides." were scored with a rubber tape too???? I'm also curious if you claim the whole "official B&C score" thing, why would you ask me on the 19th of Dec, a mere 9 days after I killed the buck, what an official scorer would measure him at. Who would go get a buck so-called officially measured 9 days after harvest???

To get back on the whole 27 inch ear debate, I got thinking about an old mule deer hunting video of mine and something about earwidths. I dug it out and put it in the VCR. On Muley Magic 2, one of the Heaton boys says that you can't use ears to properly judge width. He says that they've killed bucks with 26 inch ears. Now this is on the Pauns. That is in Southern Utah is it not? 26 inch ears eh???? So if critters get bigger the furthur north you go, is it too much to imagine that some Canadian hawgs gain an inch of earspread over Hawgs on the Pauns???? Maybe the Heaton Ranch is way off on it's scores too. :):)
 
BC Boy I thought MnT was an awesome buck and something to be proud of. I especially loved the way you hunted him for consecutive years. There is nothing better than getting to know specific mule deer and seeing them year after year. Anyone who questions the size of a buck like that is simply jealous. Even official scorers can't score a deer precisely from a picture and if you measured it at 202 it is most likely very close to that. I wouldn't say I am the worlds greatest measurer and my last years buck I scored was within 2-3 inches of the official pope and young score. Regardless of score nobody can knock a buck like that especially with the story behind it.
As far as the 27" ears I believe it 100%. I personally measured ears at 26" last year on a young 3-4 year old buck that my brother in law shot. Even 28"+ ears are possible just like a man with huge ears or a huge nose. The bottom line is that it is a stupid argument to say that 27" ears in a natural position is not possible, because deer have their ears alert at times and even slightly upwards ears only lose an inch or two.
My vote is that 26"+ ears in the field in a natural position are definetly a possibilty, just like 7' 8" men and 6' 10" women.
 
OOOHHHHH.....Somebody just got Schooled......:)And BC's the teacher.


A few years back, I killed a buck that had 26" ears and then my brother killed one of his running mates a couple months later that had 27" ears my buck was a 22" 4x4 and my brothers was a 15" 3x3 both bucks were probly 3 years old.

That being said I killed a buck this year that was 27"s wide and had 23" ears and was about 6 or 7 years old.

A friend of mine killed a buck this year that was really old (hardly had a tooth in his head)that had 19" ears after it was mounted in the alert position...

You really cant use the ears to judge a buck, I've gotten to the point now that I can look at a buck and tell how wide it is, and then if I have time back up my guess with the ears.

Also you can usually tell when they have big ears just by looking and takeing notice.



Jake H. MM Member since 1999.
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LAST EDITED ON Feb-28-07 AT 07:17AM (MST)[p]BC Boy,

Don't let yourself get pulled into these pissing matches. Alot of these guys know that if they push at you a little bit, you will want to throw down. A man needs to stand up for his beliefs, but for ears? Your not going to change his mind, and he won't change yours. Don't let it get to you bud.

Good hunting,
oakbrush.
 
Daxter congrats on the Buck ears and all! Sorry but I have to say this you & the buck got upstaged on that photo by a pretty little gal! I'll bet she's a card and she likes the camera and it likes her. Great pics, thanks for posting. Looks like you have a future model or actress on your hands!
 
Congrats on your nice looking buck.

This may help clarify the 27" ear debate :)
Dumbo.jpg


AntlerQuest Scouting & Hunt Consulting
 
BCboy,
Just checked the forum this morning after "seeing" the wife off to the bank. Sorry you lost so much sleep over my stupidity last night. I feel bad. What makes you think I have it in for you? Don't I pick on everyone else on these sights and elsewhere too? Oh, wait, I guess I dont, (therefore I do)
Lets just say I'm a good judge of character to say the least(especially based on factual events) & an elephant never forgets. Oh, someday, the finale is going to be a sight to see!! Then I wont look like such a bad guy, and you may just decide to give a "radzazz" (whatever that is, I know you dont like to give it alot)
Sleep on that, I'll be away now for a few months, no sooner (from this sight) Maybe Ill then UNACCIDENTALLY get you worked up again, funny how you cant resist taking the cheese, and I'm even using Swiss!

bittersweetmuleymeat

Grampa once said, "When you start saying you're the man, you're not the man anymore."
 
Now that buck is a dink! 20" outside spread tops... Oh... Wait a minute... Ok, I take it all back, that thing is a HOG! :)

That WAS a sweet picture Jeff.

NvrEnuf
 
Nice one deerking!!!! Thats awesome.

I have actually seen deer with 18" ears all the way to 28" ears, all from southern Utah. The 18 incher was a huge 32" wide 215 class buck, that on the hoof looked extremly wide. Never judge a buck by his ears.

jdh
 
Jeff, that picture is unreal! If it weren't you posting that picture, then I'd probably be calling photochop...

Michael
"What I could do, I was doing, and that was simply putting my butt on the line for my country, the country that I loved, so that all the protestors and the academics and the liberal intelligentsia back home could enjoy the right to protest against people like me, the hated middleclass." --Gary R. Smith, US Special Forces
 
I knew this post had the potential to get interesting :) Thanks for all the posts and for letting us all get in on the big ear debate BCBoy and Bittersweet.

Deerking, let me guess the locals call that buck Dumbo? ;-)

IDHunters - the thing just to the right is an old piece of metal railing that was near an old mine. I actually shot the buck half a mile away, but didn't have my camera with me so I took the photos at the car before we loaded him up.

Mahogany Hunter - The buck you shot on the Cache had a head the size of a basketball! The ears, along with everything else on the guy, were huge. You thinking about CO for next year? Send me an email sometime.


Yes my daughter is a total ham for the camera. She had to take my hat away from me for the 2nd picture, and she even made me get out of the frame and take some photos of just her with the deer. What a little poser!

Dax
 
Oakbrush,
I sorry to say I'm just plain bored. You see, the zillion posts about Zumbo are not very interesting to me. The name Zumbo got me thinking of Dumbo and hence the great ear debate of odd 7. :) If someone thinks they are man enough to throw down then I'll oblige.

Daxter,
Figured you had more motives for starting this thread than just showing us a 27 inch buck. ;)

DeerKing,
Are you sure those ears are real? Not calling ya out but.... geeze they look awefull small. Maybe those CO deer just have smaller ears than the Canuck bucks I'm used to seeing. :)

Bittersweet,
Common now, is that all you got? Taking your toys and heading home???? Won't be around here for a couple of months???? Figured ya would have a much wittier response. You would think if you had a memory like an elephant, then you would have remembered you're previous posts eh???? Still never answered my questions. Would love to see any pics of all these 200 inch muleys that you've measured with your very own rubber tape. You should post them up.
 
I hope I see that buck running into a head wind, He would be almost at a standstill. Those ears are huge.
 
I have measured several hundred desert mule deer ears in southern AZ spread straight out like in this photo. I have never seen anything that approaches 27. The average is between 22-23" and that is pretty consistent. I'm not sure I've seen anything over 25".

Better tell the taxidermist to pin them babies back.

Jim Heffelfinger
Wildlife Biologist and Author
visit http:\\www.deernut.com to download free PDFs of my past magazine articles or to order my new book "Deer of the Southwest"
 
here is a set of 27" eastern oregon ears, I think they put the "mule" in mule deer.
231

 

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