Guesstimate-How to Field Judge and Score Desert Bighorn Sheep 6

This is my guesstimate for the blog post, "How to Field Judge and Score Desert Bighorn Sheep 6" At Colburn and Scott Outfitters we try to judge rams as closely as possible.  Comparing live rams to photos of rams that have been harvested where we know the exact official score helps us determine and analyze every horn length and quarter measurement.  Very rarely do the photos lie.  The main thing that jumps out at me when I see the subject ram from head on is the amount of drop that he has compared to his chin line.  When the bottom of the horn drops below the jawline that is a sign of length of horn, not to mention that it really makes the ram look good.  Another thing is that the horn seems to go back and then starts curving downward.  When you add those two together it makes for a longer horn. 

The above photo shows the subject ram.  Check out the good amount of drop and depth of curl.

For our examples below, I have spilt screened four rams respectively from left to right, Subject ram, Erik Swanson's ram, Subject ram #5, Ron Arndorfer's LOGO Ram. Erik and Ron's rams have been officially scored so it makes for good comparison. For simplicity sake each ram will be in the same order from left to right in each example photo.

Front On View from Left to Right, Subject ram, Erik Swanson's Ram, Subject Ram#5, Ron Arndorfer's Logo Ram

Left Horn View from Left to Right, Subject ram, Erik Swanson's Ram, Subject Ram#5, Ron Arndorfer's Logo Ram

Right Horn View from Left to Right, Subject ram, Erik Swanson's Ram, Subject Ram#5, Ron Arndorfer's Logo Ram

Front On View

Right Horn View

Left Horn View

Here is my guesstimate on the subject ram

Lets take a look at each measurement category as it relates to overall percentage of score
Horn Length- 70 1/8 or 41.4% of total score
Mass-  99 3/8 or 58.6% of total score

My guesstimate for this ram that is still roaming the hills is 169 5/8 Gross and he looks to be at least 7 years old.  With a a few more years this ram could really grow into his big frame and become a fantastic ram.  Once his mass fills in he will be a very special ram for some lucky tag holder.  Remember that mass is the most important aspect of score, so look for a ram that carries the mass from the base to the tip.

If you like this post you may be interested in these other posts below:
Field Judging and Scoring Desert Bighorn Sheep
Arizona Desert Sheep Hunting Videos by Colburn and Scott Outfitters
Arizona Desert Sheep Hunting Photos 1
Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Hunts