Typically midwest and eastern states (basically we're talking about whitetails here) describe the antlers as total antler point count. In the Western States, for Mule Deer and Elk, (I'm unsure about whitetails) they describe the antlers as points per side, i.e. 4x4 6x7, etc.

Then you get into typical and non-typical.

Search for the following websites, which explain it in greater detail. Each site has their own scoring system. This a short list - there are others.

Pope & Young
Boone & Crockett
Safari Club International

www.hoosierpondpros.com

[Linked Image from lh6.ggpht.com]
http://www.pondboss.com/subscribe.asp?c=4
3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).