mondoman86

The inside spread is the only thing that shrinks. It usually is a quarter inch or less. The 2x4 trick can work, but its really pointless unless the buck is so close to makeing book that You need that 1/4 inch.

ksfowler

It is not really enough to matter. i guess it is a way to even the playing fields.

Schultzy

Some bucks shrink more then others. Big massed bucks will sometimes shrink more, more bone to shrink. Inside spreads (antlers) don't necessarily shrink, the skull plate actually does shrink or bends If cut to small from what I understand. Always be careful when the taxi or you yourself cuts your skull plate off the deer head. Make sure you/he leaves a thick skull plate attached to the rack If your worried about scoring.

Sliverflicker

Ilost an 1 1/2" off the inside spread of a 22 1/2" buck, Lost an 1" on two others that were 21 1/2" . On skulls (like Bears) you will take a loss on the width, the bones where the jaw muscles set in back of and below the eyes, cant remember what their called.
According to the rules, you cant do anything that would alter the natural drying process, likesticking a 2X4 between the antlers.

TreednNC

Makes sense....my first 'big' deer I measured at 17" inside.......I must have measured that thing 100 times.....Ive since measured it, and only come up with 15 3/4" Seems like an awful lot, but like I said, I bet I measured it a 100 times lol I was excited.