There are three main ways to measure a trophy for its recognition as a record. They are the Rowland Ward system, the Safari Club International system and the South African system.
The Rowland Ward System
The Rowland Ward system was founded in 1870 by James Rowland Ward.
The Rowland Ward system was developed by James Rowland Ward who is British and published the first edition entitled Horn Measurements and Weights of the Great Game of the World 1892. The publication of successive editions of Rowland Ward’s records of big game was taken over in 1982 by Game Conservation International and in 1993 by the Halse family of the Eastern Cape. Today there is a Rowland Ward Guild of Field Sportsmen that promotes good ethics and hunting. The record book is now being expanded worldwide, and the record book, which is published every fourth year, is now in its 27th edition and is also accessible electronically.
Rowland Ward’s Records of Big Game 30th edition Africa.
Trophies from all over the world may be registered for publication in Rowland Ward’s records of big game, but only if the trophy exceeds the minimum requirements. The following is also a prerequisite to be able to be recognised in Rowland Ward’s records of big game:
- Should be in the possession of the owner (not necessarily hunted by the owner, if it was picked up, it should be stated like that).
- An official measurer should measure the trophy.
- The following measures should be taken; the length of the horn, the circumference of the horn at the base, and the tip-to-tip measurement.
- A minimum of 30 days should pass from the day that the animal was killed before a trophy may be measured for registration.
- All the measurements are done with a steel tape by using the imperial scale.
- Measurements are approximated to the nearest eighth of an inch, except in smaller animals where they are taken to the nearest sixteenth of an inch.
- The length of an elephant tusk is taken to the nearest quarter of an inch.
- The weight of ivory is measured in pounds.
- Horns with ridges are measured by placing the tape along the highest points of the ridges.
A. General Measuring Method
Except for animals that require specific measuring methods, this procedure can be applied to any animal. The horn’s length is measured along the front curve from the base to the tip. The circumference of the longest horn is measured at right angles to the base of the horn as close to the head as possible. The horn’s tip-to-tip length is measured in a straight line from one horn’s tip to the tip of the other. The position on the record list is determined by the length of the horn.
Measuring a waterbuck horns as an example of the general measuring method for measuring certain types of antelope horns for the Rowland Ward records. The measurements include B-C: tip-to-tip distance, A: horn circumference, and A-B: horn length.
B. Spiralled Horns
To measure the horns of the greater kudu, both types of eland, and for the Nyala, bongo, mountain Nyala, sitatunga, bushbuck and lesser kudu, the following method will be used. The length of the horn is measured by beginning at the point that is formed by the horns on the forehead. Follow the spiral until it disappears near the tip of the horn. Where the spiral disappears, follow a straight line to the tip of the horn for measurements A to B. The circumference of the horn at its base is measured on the longest horn as close as possible to the head. The measurement must be a true circumference and not an elliptical measurement. The tip-to-tip length of the horn is measured as in the general measuring method for antelope B to D. The method for all spiral-horned antelope is measured around the spiral, and the length of the horn determines the position on the record list.
Judging the trophy quality of Kudu bulls can prove to be very difficult at times: always ensure the shapes of horns are mature shape with good white tips. Consider the spread of the first curl in comparison to the tips of the ears; look at the depth of the curl as this is where the genuine hidden length lies.
C. African Savanna and Forest Buffaloes, and Blue Wildebeest Horns
According to the figure of The difference of how to measure Rowland Ward measurements vs SCI measurements, the widest outer measurement is the measurement between the outer widest point of the curves of the two horns (X-Y). The widest inner measurement is as the one above, but here the widest point between the inner parts of the curves of the horns is measured (S-T). The length of the front curves of the horns is measured on the longest horn (A-B). The tip-to-tip distance measurement is the same as the general measuring method for antelope. The width of the boss is the right-angled measurement of the boss at the widest point, taken from the front to the back ridge (G-H). The widest outer measurement determines the position on the record list.
The difference of how to measure Rowland Ward measurements vs SCI Measurements (Diagram by Sam Gandy).
D. Black Wildebeest
Measuring a Black wildebeest: https://youtu.be/U57VssWtv_Y
The length of the curve is measured as for a buffalo in the figure Judging the trophy quality of the Black Wildebeest. The width of the boss is measured at its widest point from the uppermost to the lowest ridge (G-H). The tip-to-tip distance is measured as in the general measuring method. The length along the front curve determines the position on the record list.
Judging the trophy quality of the Black Wildebeest, it is important to look at the size of the boss, the drop on the curl and the height of the rise of the tips. Mature bulls will display black or darkened hair between their bosses or lead to their bosses and not red or brown hair, a sign of immaturity (Diagram by Africa Hunting).
E. Lion and Leopard Skulls
As with antelope horns, lion and leopard skulls are measured at least 30 days after the animal has been shot. To be registered in the Rowland Ward record book, the cranium needs to be measured by an official measurer. The dimensions are taken between two carpenter’s squares. The length of the skull is measured from back to front, however only the skull is measured, not the lower jaw. The width of the skull is measured across its broadest point. The total of these two metrics determines the record’s position on the list.
Measuring a mammal carnivore’s skull between two carpenter’s squares.
F. Elephant Tusks
The weight, the length along the outermost curve and the greatest circumference of each tusk are measured. The weight of the heavier of the two tusks determines the position on the record list.
Recommended way to measure elephant tusks. It must also be weighed (Diagram by Cynthia J Moss).
G. Rhinoceros Horns
The length along the front curve of each horn and the circumference of the base of both horns are measured. The length of the longer horn, determines the position on the record list, usually the anterior horn.
H. Warthog, Bushpig and Hippopotamus Tusks
- The total length along the outer curve of the longer upper tusk and the length of that part of the upper task that protrudes from the gums are measured. The first measurement determines the position on the record list.
- The length along the outer curve of the longer lower tusk is measured. The length of that portion of the lower tusk that protrudes from the gums is measured. The first measurement determines the position on the record list.
I. Fallow Deer
Measure the length of the longer antler or beam on the outermost curve from the lowest point of the raised base or burr (A-B). Measure the circumference of the longer antler or beam at the thinnest part of the stem between the first and second points (C). Count the number of points that are three-quarters of an inch (20mm) or longer. Measure the width of the widest palm at the widest place from the inner edge at right angles to the centre line or axis of the palm to the protuberances on the outer edge (E). In the case of a split palm, the main palm is measured and the smaller split part is regarded as a point. Also, measure the greatest outer width at right angles to the centre line or axis of the skull from the widest point or level of the other antler (D). Measure the greatest inside width or spread (F). Measure the distance between the tips of the main stems (G). The position on the record list is determined by length A-B.
Measuring the antlers of a fallow deer for the Rowland Ward records.
J. Crocodile
The length of the Nile crocodile has been recognised for trophy purposes since the 20th edition of the Rowland Ward records. A professional hunter or an eyewitness to the hunt must measure the length of an unskinned animal. The animal is positioned on its stomach and then stretched out in a straight line. At the tip of the nose and tail, pegs are hammered into the earth. Measure the distance between the pegs and have the hunter, or a witness, and the wildlife rancher attest to it. The date and location of the killing must also be specified. These details should be given directly to the Rowland Ward record publishers. The publishers also accept complete mount specimen measurements, but not raw or tanned skin measurements.
The Safari Club International System
Safari Club International system was founded in 1977 by C.J McElroy.
C.J McElroy came up with the idea of The Safari Club International (SCI) in 1977 for the first time. From the beginning, it listed all the trophy animals in the world. It is now known as the SCI record book of trophy animals. The African records appear in a separate volume entitled the African Field Edition. The goal of this measuring technique is to make all hunting trophies in the world as accurate and error-free as possible while remaining simple. This approach differs in that it gives maximal acknowledgement to horn growth by taking the length and circumference of both horns into account. It is a system in which points are assigned to the trophy’s value based on the sum of numerous measurements rather than a single measurement indicating the length of the longer horn or another animal part. There is no drying period, and trophies can be measured and registered immediately after collection.
SCI Record Book of Trophy Animals Africa Field Edition.
Because the Safari Club International method originated in the United States, all measurements are in imperial units to the eighth of an inch. The hunter must first be a member of The Safari Hunting Club before registering a trophy. Only official measurers appointed by Safari Club International around the world may judge trophies using this system. To get a trophy recorded in the record book, the hunter must pay a registration fee. An entry form containing the hunter’s personal information and the specific area where the animal was hunted should be provided. The type of weapon used (rifle, hand weapon, bow and arrow, or muzzle-loader) should also be specified, as different records depend on whether the trophy was picked up or safari-darted. Photographs of all entries are necessary; they may or may not be published, but they serve as control. However, images of all of the prizes in the top three positions in the record list are made public.
For more information regarding the SCI method and additional species measurements, please refer to https://test.agripedia.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SCI-Measuring-Manual-Sept-2019.pdf.
A. Unbranched Horns
Measure the length of both horns along the front curve from a point parallel to the lower edge at the base to the tip of the horn, or a point parallel to this when the tip has been broken off or worn away. The measuring tape should not be forced into the grooves. The circumference of the horn’s base should be measured. Follow the base’s lowest edge as precisely as possible. Ignore all abnormalities and take your measurements above the scallops. Form a continuous loop by pulling the measuring tape firmly around the base at the same angle as the underside of the skull base with the axis of the horn. As a result, the measurement does not have to be done at right angles to the horn’s axis. The place on the record list is determined by the sum of the four measurements of the horn lengths and the base circumference.
B. Rhinoceros Horns
The length of the horn is measured by the front curve from the lowest point at the front of the base to the tip of the horn, or to a point in line with the tip of the horn in cases where it has been broken off or has been weathered. The horn should be removed from the animal before it is measured. Also, see that only the horn and not the remaining pieces of skin at the base are being measured. The circumference of each horn at the base by pulling the measuring tape in a tight loop around the horn above the upper scallop should be measured next. This measurement does not necessarily have to be taken at right angles to the axis of the horn. The sum of both lengths and circumferences determines the position on the record list.
C. Hippopotamus and Wild Pig Tusks
The length of each tusk is measured along the outermost curve (A) from a point in line with the lowest part of the base to the tip. The lower tusks of a hippopotamus and a bushpig are measured, while the upper tusks of the warthog are measured. The circumference (B) of each tusk is then measured at its thickest point at right angles to the axis of the tusk. The sum of all four measurements determines the position on the record list.
The Safari Club International method for measuring hippo, bushpig and warthog tusks (Photo by Africa’s Sportsman).
D. Spiralled Horns
This strategy is appropriate for greater kudu, sitatunga, Nyala, eland, and bushbuck. The length of the horn is measured from the place where it originates on the forehead to the tip of the horn, along the highest part of the ridge around the spiral. The grain of the horn is followed straight to the tip where the spiral disappears near the tip of the horn. Following that, the circumference of each horn is measured at the base. Make a tight loop with the measuring tape around the horn just above the upper scallop or any deformity at the base. The measurement should be taken at the same angle as the base makes with the horn’s axis, not at a straight angle. The place on the record list is determined by the total of all four measures.
SCI method for measuring the horns of antelope with spiralled horns.
E. Blue Wildebeest
The SCI method for measuring Blue Wildebeest horns.
It should be noted that this strategy only applies to blue wildebeest and not to black wildebeest. In one measurement, measure the overall tip-to-tip distance of the horns from one point above the forehead to the other. Begin at the tip of one horn and follow the outer curve to the lowest point of the horn’s bend. Measure in a straight line from this place on the boss to the comparable point on the other side, over the gap between the boss. Take a similar path to the other horn tip. Next, measure the circumference of the boss with a measuring tape wrapped securely around the boss in a single loop. This measurement’s angle does not have to be perpendicular to the horn’s axis. The position on the record list is determined by the aggregate of all three measures.
F. African Savanna and Forest Buffaloes
The SCI method for measuring African savanna and forest buffalo.
The horns’ tip-to-tip distance can be measured over the forehead in one measurement. Begin at one of the horn tips and follow the outermost curve to the lowest point of the horn’s loop. Turn systematically from here to the boss’s corner, pushing the measuring tape tightly on the horn. Measuring must be done in a straight line from one side of the boss to a matching location on the other side of the boss across the gap between the horns. Then continue the curve to the other horn’s tip. The breadth of each boss at its broadest point, parallel with the centre line of the cranium between the bosses, can then be measured. The measurement line will be determined by the shape of the horns. Callipers can be used to determine the widest part of each boss in advance. This can be accomplished by measuring this point on each boss starting at the back edge where the horn is linked to the skin and proceeding to the front edge where the horn meets the skin again. The measuring tape must not be pushed into any hollows and must remain straight. The boss’s circumference is not measured. The total of these metrics determines the record’s position on the list.
G. Black Wildebeest
SCI measurement for black wildebeest.
The length of the horns can be measured across the highest point of the bosses. Begin at one horn tip and work your way to the lowest point of the horn’s curvature. Turn around and take the shortest line to the highest point on the boss. Until this point, the measuring tape must be firmly pushed to the horn. The next measurement is a straight line from the highest point on the boss over the gap between the horns to the tip of the other horn. The boss is sized similarly to the African savanna and forest buffaloes. The position on the record list is determined by the total of all three measures.
H. Cat Skulls
SCI measurement for carnivore skulls.
On a flat surface, measure the length of the skull with two carpenter’s squares. The lower jaw can be in place while measuring, and the front teeth are included in the measurement. The breadth of the skull can then be measured at its broadest point at right angles to the long axis, as described above. The place on the record list is determined by the sum of the two measurements. The dimensions are taken down to the sixteenth of an inch.
I. Elephant Tusks
SCI method for weighing elephant tusks.
The cumulative weight of the tusks serves as the basis for the record, and each tusk must be weighed to the nearest half-pound. The combined weight of the two tusks determines the record position. Although tusk lengths and largest circumference are not included when determining points, they should be provided as supplemental information when submitting measurements to Safari Club International.
J. Crocodile
For crocodiles the entire length of the body is measured with the SCI method.
The length of the animal before it is skinned is measured. Place the animal in an extended position on a flat surface. Measure the length of the animal over the curves on the upper side from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. This measurement is taken along the midline of the head, back and tail. Keep the measuring tape tight but in contact with the skin without pressing the tape into the hollows. If an official measurer is not available, the measurements may be taken by a professional hunter or a hunting guide in the presence of an eyewitness. The total length of the animal, to the nearest inch, determines the position on the record list.
The South African System
The Confederation of Hunters Association of South Africa developed the South African System for measuring trophies in 1986.
The Confederation of Hunters Association of South Africa (CHASA) developed a measuring system for evaluating hunting trophies purely for South Africa in 1986. The subcommittee of CHASA gave careful attention to all the aspects of such a system, with the following guidelines as a basis: it should have a purely South African character to meet the local requirements of all aspects involved; it should be user-friendly, but should also eliminate the possibility of individual interpretations to ensure the greatest accuracy; and there should be continuity in the system so that the prescribed format could be used in its entirety without continual amendments. This system can be managed at a high level, by only allowing properly trained official measurers who are recommended by the member associations and are approved and trained by CHASA, to do the measures. Simple, understandable, illustrated terms were also set up to make the system easy for any interested person to understand. A reference guide for official measurers was also compiled to assist in the task of following a uniform method of judging all African trophy animals. This ensures that the system maintains a high level of record-keeping at all times.
The rules and information:
The following rules were developed for all users:
- Only official measurers who are appointed and trained by CHASA may take measurements for registering a trophy.
- All official measurers must undergo proper training so that they can interpret the system correctly and be in a position to identify species and subspecies according to geographic distribution areas as laid down by CHASA.
- Only trophies of African wildlife that are hunted by members of the member associations of CHASA may be registered.
- The recording of trophies in the national record list is coupled with a registration fee, as laid down by CHASA.
- Where old trophies are measured, the owner will be expected to reimburse the travel and accommodation costs of the official measurer.
- No drying-out period is laid down, and trophies can therefore be measured for registration at any stage.
- Trophies that qualify for the national record list and are not entered into an official competition of a member association may be measured for registration only after the first competition following the date on which the trophy was hunted.
- Only horn formations that are judged by CHASA to be typical of a species or subspecies will be accepted.
- Only the existing parts of a damaged trophy may be measured. No estimates are allowed. Damaged trophies must be indicated as such on the measuring card.
- Member associations must ensure that every trophy is measured and registered during the annual competitions.
- Measurements must be made by using the imperial system taken to the nearest sixteenth of an inch or a quarter of a pound.
- Only steel measuring tapes and calibrated scales may be used.
- The precise area where the trophy was hunted must be indicated when the trophy is submitted for evaluation.
- Only trophies that equal or exceed the minimum measurements as stipulated by CHASA qualify for registration.
- Entries must be submitted on a prescribed form and must be accompanied by the required registration fee and information.
- The entry of a trophy that equals or exceeds an existing record (first position) must be accompanied by a good-quality photograph. This photograph may be of the trophy only, or it may be of the hunter with the trophy.
- When present, the soft horn bases of reedbuck and mountain reedbuck must be measured as part of the horn.
CHASA has no obligation to publish a formal record book, although it may do so in the future.
General Measuring Method
The General Measuring Method (GMM) can be used for most African animals with horns, with a few exceptions. The length of the horn is measured along the front curve of the longest horn from the lowest point of the horn base on the forehead to the tip. This measurement is taken in a straight line over the ridges of the horns in animals with uniform ridges such as waterbuck, blesbok and impala. The measuring tape is therefore not pressed into the grooves. The curves over the ridges are followed by an eland. When the tip of the horn is broken off or has worn away, the measurement is of such a point. Next, the circumference of the base at right angles to the axis of the thickest horn as close as possible to the skull is measured. Therefore, an elliptical measurement is not taken when the horn leaves the skull at an angle. The curve on the underside of the horn is therefore not necessarily followed. The distance is taken in a straight line from the tip of one horn to the tip of one horn to the tip of the other. Indicate with a note and an optional photograph if one horn is broken off and state that this measurement cannot therefore be taken. The position on the record list is determined by the length of the longer horn only. In the case of two identical records, they will be listed in chronological order with the oldest record being listed first.
More information regarding the General Measuring Method can be read in the following document.
https://test.agripedia.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/02-Rules-for-measuring-of-trophies-2018.pdf
A. Spiral Horned Antelope
The GMM for spiral-horned antelope.
Each horn’s length can be measured around the spiral by keeping the measuring tape on top of the spiralling ridge, beginning at the lowest position at the front of the base and working your way to the tip. Rank the longest horns.
B. African Savanna and Forest Buffaloes and Blue Wildebeest
The GMM for buffalo and blue wildebeest.
The horns of the African savanna buffalo and different brindled wildebeest subspecies, such as the blue wildebeest, are measured as follows. Using two carpenter’s squares on a level surface, measure the outer width of the horn span between the widest outer points of the horn curves. Calculate the length of the lengthier horn by halving the angle of the boss’s curve on the forehead along the foremost curve to the tip. Determine the width of the broader boss at its widest point from the back edge over the boss’s curve to the front edge. At that point, this measurement is obtained at right angles to the horn’s axis. The position on the record list is determined by the horn’s outside breadth or span.
C. Black Wildebeest
The GMM for black wildebeest.
Measure the length of the longer horn from the point on top of the head where the horn joins the skin over the highest part of the boss along the outer silhouette to the point. Measure the width of the boss from the lowest point on the underside of the base over the boss to the highest point at the top end of the boss. The measurement is therefore not necessarily taken parallel to the axis of the skull or at right angles to the axis of the horn. Measure the distance between the two points as is done with the straight-horned antelope. The length of the longer horn determines the position on the record list.
D. Fallow Deer
The length of both antlers can be measured from the point where each antler joins the skull on the forehead, over the rosette at the base and along the front of the antler to the point. If the tip has broken off, the measurement is taken to where the break begins on the front edge along which it is being measured. Measure the width of both palms at their broadest points at right angles to the axis of the palm. Begin the measurement at the front edge and follow the outer curve of the palm to the back edge at the scallop between the two points. The position on the record list is determined by adding the two lengths and dividing this total by the sum of the widths.
E. Cat Skulls
The GMM for cat, jackal and hyena skulls.
Using two carpenter’s squares on a flat surface, the length of the skull is measured with the lower jaw in place. The width of the skull can be measured in the same way, but this time across the broadest part of the skull. The place on the record list is determined by the total of both measures.
F. Elephant Tusks
Weigh each tusk and determine it to the closest quarter of a pound. The tusk must be measured on the outside of the curve. The circumference can be measured where the tusk protrudes from the gums. The weight of the heavier tusk will determine the position on the record list.
G. Rhinoceros Horns
The GMM for measuring rhino horns.
When measuring the length of the horn, begin at the point where the skin and horn meet on the outside of the curve. Then measure the front curvature. At this point, the measurement is taken to a point equal to the furthest point from the horn. At the base of each horn, the circumference is measured by following the lower edge of the horn where it joins the skin. As a result, this measurement is not the same as the circumference measurement utilised in the conventional measuring method. The place on the record list is determined by the length of the front horn.
H. Crocodile
The length of the skull can be measured with or without the nasal skin, with the upper and lower jaws in their natural positions, using two carpenter’s squares on a flat surface, just like a cat skull. Measure the width of the skull at its broadest point, with or without the skin. The place on the record list is determined by the sum of the two measurements.
I. Warthog and Giant Forest Hog Tusks
The GMM for warthog and giant forest hog tusks.
Along the outside curve, measure the entire length of the longest upper tusk. Begin the measurement from a location perpendicular to the highest point of the edge at the tooth’s base. The same is true for blunt or broken tips. The length of the tooth portion that protrudes from the gums along the outer curve of the longest upper tusk should be measured. The length of the longer or only upper tusk determines the position on the record list.
J. Bushpig and Hippopotamus Tusks
The GMM for bushpig and hippo tusks.
To measure the whole length of a tusk, follow the longer lower tusk along the outer curve. Begin the measurement as described for the warthog. The length of that part of the tooth that protrudes from the gum along the outer curve of the longest lower tooth to the tip can be measured. The position on the record list is determined by the length of the longer or only lower tusk.
South African System vs. Roland Ward System
Although the South African measuring system acknowledges species, subspecies and area variations, as is the case for the Rowland Ward system up to and including its 19th edition, there are still a few exceptions.
- Springbok: the records that are listed include the usual and the western variety. Therefore, in the South African system, there is no distinction between the subspecies and all the springbok are grouped.
- Impala: The distinction between the usual and the black-faced impala is being maintained. Certain conditions apply to the black-faced impala. The final decision for admission onto the South African record list rests with the relevant subcommittee of CHASA. To enter a black-faced impala, the following should be submitted with the entry: clear colour photographs of the face of the animal that were taken from the front in portrait fashion, and from the side in profile, full details of the date, place and the name and address of the owner of the owner of the ranch where the trophy was hunted.
- Lechwe: an exotic red lechwe that can be hunted within the boundaries of South Africa and Namibia is added to the red and Kafue lechwes that are listed in the Rowland Ward system.
- Defassa waterbuck: two subspecies occur in Zimbabwe and Angola, but only the one from Zimbabwe is accepted with a geographic distribution area that includes both Zimbabwe and Angola.
- Roan antelope: as this antelope occurs in South Africa and elsewhere, only the South African subspecies are acknowledged, but with a geographic distribution area that includes both South Africa and Angola.
CHASA is trying to eliminate the competition element from its trophy records while assuring that the measurements are taken in a scientifically correct way to promote their scientific and conservation value.