i too only shoot large bucks or does for meat, but i have nothing against shooting small bucks. they make great first deer for anyone, as a matter of fact my first deer was a 5, my second a 4. anyone wanting to shoot a small buck should go for it, because i know some people are raised that way. nothing wrong with a spike, because for some people that IS a trophy. horn size isnt everything to most people. i just like hunting. ive hunted for 5-6 years and i have only killed one mature buck, im happier than ever with this deer and hunt every weekend i can just for the chance to match him.its just being in the woods that counts.