The moment I catch the glimpse of an approaching deer I immediately begin the head check. If I have time, I start with the binocs and get right on the head and start checking mass, # of tines, and tine length. If the deer comes up on me quick or skulks in real unsuspecting like, then I try to do my best "on the hoof" scoring job as quickly as possible. I won't shoot if I can't get a good read on the head. Of all of the bucks I have, not one is non-typical...I'd love to get a narly hole-in-the-horn type monster.