I think that this might be an issue if we routinely had spike and fork horn bucks qualifiying for P&Y or in my case B&C. In the case of B&C (for which I am a measurer), it takes one TERRIBLE 8 point whitetail to even qualify for awards.... and a truely world class 8 point to make all time. Honestly, I'm not 100% sure if more than a dozen have ever been entered. That picture of that huge Iowa 8pt that went around here a week or so ago.... that one will probably clear 170 net, if I recall his symettry correctly.

As to volumetric measurements, I think in my lifetime (granted I'm pretty young at almost 26) we will see the use of laser and computer technology to calculate total volume.

I think that if I shot a 170" deer and you told me you were going to take the finished mount and lower the top half into water I'd likely grit my teeth and roll up my sleeves to bet you that you didn't have a hair to do it with.... The only way you could do that is to have the horns separate from the skull.... and guess what.... soon as that horn is free from the skull plate or that skull plate splits..... can't score it. Personally, I'll take the current in place system anyday of the week until the laser systems shows up and replaces me and my masons slide and steel cable.