Do you shoot spikes?

[FlyGuyGSP]

Does anyone have pics of a spike you’ve killed that was 4.5 or older? I’d be curious to see them.

 

[JEVapa]

https://www.realtree.com/deer-hunting/galleries/photo-gallery-from-buttons-to-booner

I have never heard of a lifelong spike or that a spike buck is anything other than a first year deer. It baffles me that people would think that a spike stays a spike.

 

[huntemup]

Shouldn’t baffle you too much bc many spikes do in fact stay spikes. We always called them
Cow horns when they continued to carry just their 2 points well past 1.5 years old. By the same token, many spikes can eventually go on to become something more, but they are likely to always be behind yearlings who had split anylers in their first year.

Obviously there are exceptions to every rule but given that most bucks ain’t gonna survive past 4.5 yrs, I’d have no problem considering spikes a cull deer esp if they are 2.5+

 

[JEVapa]

Shouldn’t baffle you too much bc many spikes do in fact stay spikes. We always called them
Cow horns when they continued to carry just their 2 points well past 1.5 years old. By the same token, many spikes can eventually go on to become something more, but they are likely to always be behind yearlings who had split anylers in their first year.

You will definitely have to provide some biology data on this one. I've talked to a couple biologists and the wildlife dept and they refute what you just said.

But it's not illegal..so shoot away. I personally don't do it because it will grow up 99.99% of the time and I have does a plenty to shoot.

If you're shooting for meat, or the last day, or a first timer, fine. But culling spikes has no real scientific backup.
https://www.deeranddeerhunting.com/...il-wisdom/dont-shoot-spike-bucks-as-an-excuse

I’d have no problem considering spikes a cull deer esp if they are 2.5+

And how do you determine that a spike is 2.5 y/o from a hunting blind?

 

[ElkStalkR]

No I don't shoot spikes. For the reasons mentioned it doesn't determine their size when they get older.

I did shoot a 2.5yr old spike once (aged by jaw removal). He had 2.5-3" spikes on each side and field dressed 87 lbs. I honestly thought it was a doe when I shot him. Never saw those tiny spikes until I walked up on him. Something was definitely not right with that buck to be so small.

 

[TedKennedy]

I typically shoot only does, as the wife prefers the less gamey meat.

I've had wall-hanger bucks walk right in front of me - I'll take a pic with my cell phone and send it to buddies, doesn't bother me a bit.

But...if I'm not seeing does, I'll shoot a spike in a heartbeat. Personally, I like the flavor, and they aren't as tough as a big buck.

 

[Dorkus]

I found a picture of the guy I originally asked about which peaked my question. It took a while to dig this up but I have seen him on several pictures. Here he is:

 

[JEVapa]

Nah, he'd live on my property.

 

[TedKennedy]

I found a picture of the guy I originally asked about which peaked my question. It took a while to dig this up but I have seen him on several pictures. Here he is:

View attachment 315880

That looks like a really young deer. I'd probably let him go.

 

[JEVapa]

That looks like a really young deer. I'd probably let him go.

I agree...he looks like he just got off the teet, little feller.