I've never heard it being illegal to shoot a deer with spots. It's perfectly legal in Missouri. I think for me its not just the shooting ofbig mature bucks that I love to do but its the years afterward when they are mounted that you get to relive each hunt by telling the story of that buck. I personally wouldn't mount a small 8 or 6 pt buck. I shoot my fair share of does but most likely would never mount one. I enjoy venison and have great recipes and methods that hide or mask the gamey taste. I pay 17 dollars for 2 any deer bow tags and 19 dollars for 1 any deer rifle tag. I'm going to try to shoot the biggest deer in the woods so I get the most for my buck...literally!