b'PRINCIPLES OF THE DOUGLAS SCORE SYSTEMNorman Douglas chose to base the Douglas Score System on the principle of symmetrical size (balanced size or counterparted size). As hunters we also tend to admire and appreciate symmetric deer antlers more than asymmetric antlers. Under his system there must be a pair of antlers, horns or tusks and the antler tines must be paired or counterparted to contribute to the total score. A single antler scores zero and a single tine that has no counterpart scores zero. The score for all counterparted parts is the lesser or shorter measurement doubled (except for the spread and the span which are single measurements). An inch of growth is a point or merit, and an inch of non-symmetry is a point of penalty. The total score is the sum of all the individual scores and there is no upper limit.Due to the era in which it was developed all measurements are measured and recorded in inches (1.0 inch = 25.4 mm) to the nearest 1/8 of an inch (3.175 mm). This is still the case today to maintain consistency and retain the ability to rank and compare trophies regardless of when they were shot.MEASURING EQUIPMENTThe measuring equipment required is quite simply,A blank score sheet.A steel measuring tape, aboutinch wide and 60 inches long, with 1/8-inch graduations. Tapes other than steel can be used, but they must have zero stretch and have their accuracy verified against a 36-inch steel rule prior to use.A length of thin twine or non-stretching string.A piece of chalk and a pen.A pair of dividers about 150-200mm in length.MEASURING METHODRound-horn deer antler tines are measured as illustrated in Fig 2 - How Norman Douglas also developed inter-species Douglasto Measure Tines. Dividers are used to determine the intersection point of Score equivalent scores so that all of our big gameeach tine with the centre or pith line species can be compared e.g., a 350 red deer head is(estimated internal centreline) of the main beam, on the outside of the antler. Note equivalent to a 200 sika, a 230 fallow or a 46 tahr. the rule of the brow tines at the bottom. /FISHINGINGODZONE87'