By Herb Atkinson, Record Book & World Hunting Awards Committee Chairman

Safari Club International works closely with the North American Deer Farmers Association (NADeFA).  SCI attended their annual convention that was held recently in Dallas, Texas. In very large part, NADeFA is responsible for the dramatic increase in the size of white-tailed deer antler growth over the last 20 years.  Through intensive management, selective breeding and proper feeding, these American deer farmers have set a higher bar for what can be achieved in white-tailed deer breeding.

Each year during their convention, they hold an antler competition among the breeders, using the SCI scoring system.  This competition includes highest score for yearling deer, 2-year-old, 3-year-old, 4-year-old, and “mature” deer for five years and older.  A longest tine competition and “best in show” are also awarded.  For many years SCI has been invited to do the scoring for the competition.  Over a two-day period, many racks in the 250-inch to 450-inch-plus are scored.