RE: once a spike always a spike?
Several truths regarding spikes: Most spikes (90+%) are 1.5 year old deer. Spikes will grow in subsequent years into better racks. On RARE occasions, spikes can grow truly impressive antlers as a mature buck.
However, taken on average, 1.5 year old deer with FORKED antlers grow better B&C scores at maturity than 1.5 year old buck spikes.