Trophy Evaluation System
Measuring conservation success through standardized and ethical trophy assessment.
The CIC Trophy Evaluation System (TES) plays a crucial role in promoting responsible hunting and the sustainable use of wildlife resources by ensuring fair and scientifically-based assessments of hunting trophies. Established in 1930, the system traces its roots to the development of the first red deer trophy formula by Herbert Nadler in 1925. Since then, the CIC formula has been refined, becoming internationally accepted in 1954, and further enhanced in 2009 and 2014 to accommodate evolving standards.
The TES is grounded in the CIC Formula, a globally recognized method for evaluating the quality of hunting trophies. The system not only celebrates exceptional wildlife specimens but also emphasises ethical hunting practices. To maintain transparency and accuracy, trophies must undergo a mandatory 30-day drying period, ensuring moisture levels below 15%. The TES strictly prohibits self-measurement and requires that only certified CIC Measurers, who undergo rigorous training and adhere to strict rules, carry out trophy evaluations.
With a comprehensive Trophy Evaluation Handbook, the system classifies trophies into categories such as antelopes, bovids, cervids, and skulls or tusks, providing clear, species-specific guidelines for measurement. The handbook includes detailed species descriptions, distribution maps, and measurement parameters, ensuring consistency in evaluation.
The TES is governed by the CIC Trophy Evaluation Board (TEB) and the Executive Committee, which oversee the system’s integrity. Certified CIC Measurers must demonstrate regular activity and expertise by evaluating a minimum of 15 trophies every three years.
This rigorous process ensures that the CIC continues to lead in establishing global standards for ethical hunting and wildlife conservation, balancing the interests of hunters, conservationists, and governments.
- The Trophy Evaluation Board (TEB) is the governing body of the Trophy Evaluation System (TES). Senior International Trophy Judges from CIC member countries participate in TEB meetings to discuss the development and maintenance of the TES. The TEB is responsible for making technical decisions that are subsequently reviewed and approved by the CIC Executive Committee.
- Senior International Trophy Judges (STJ) are experts chosen by their respective CIC Heads of Delegation to represent their country on the Trophy Evaluation Board.
- Certified CIC Measurers (CCM) are authorized to measure trophies for the CIC. Each evaluation they conduct includes submitting the trophy data to the Trophy Evaluation Database.
- The CIC Handbook for Evaluating and Measuring Hunting Trophies provides comprehensive information about the CIC’s trophy evaluation methods.
- The Trophy Evaluation Database (TED) is the central database that stores all the trophy measurements recognized by the CIC. It is supplied with data from STJs and CCMs.