LOL. Genetics don't change with age or antler size. Lots of folks on tv have no clue. One of the reasons I quit watching the shows.

And once a spike always a spike is not true. Its been proven. I've seen numerous studies over the years. On our property, I've seen personally several times where bucks that had spikes turned into decent racked 6-8 pts in future years. One of our guys killed a nice 8pt at 3.5 that was a spike at 1.5. Had a white spot on its neck. He was a no brow basket 6 at 2.5.

Another buddy of mine had a button buck that would eat from his hand. The following year, he was a spike...would still eat from his hand. At 2.5 he grew a 10pt rack. Not huge, but 10pts. Still ate from his hand and hung around his house right up until the rut. Never saw him again after that.

I think when they are born has alot to do with the first rack they grow. Late born, they are using up all their uumph to grow their body in that first year - leaving little left for antler growth. The next year they get caught up and can grow a nice rack. We see this alot in our overpopulated area we hunt. Lots of small young spike bucks, many of which are likely due to 2nd or 3rd rut breeding.