Most say that a whitetail up in the northern part of the country like we're talking about will have 16"-18" from ear tip to ear tip. Also, when they are in velvet they always look a lot bigger than they will turn out to be when they shed, Are we talking outside or inside spread since that also makes a big difference? I always talk inside spread and looking more at him this time he might go 24" when he sheds. He's a shooter in my book unless he is up in the Canadian Provinces where a lot of people would probably say to let him grow another year!