On the property that I hunt, I would have shot a spike before I would have shot a 6 or 8 pointer just for better genetics. Truth be known, I would have shot a spike if he was standing next to a 6 or 8 pointer. I am not of the school of thought that once a spike always a spike but there is a good chance of that happening. Now correct me if I am wrong but if a young buck is going to grow up to be a trophy doesn' t he normally have at least 4 points his first year or even some times 6 points. By no means should you feel bad and you definately shouldn' t let it hamper on you to long.

Also you were hunting on National Forest land. There is absolutely no way to manage a deer herd there. Someone else may have shot the deer. Now you can add another buck to your list. Be proud.

Congrats on the buck and good hunting to come.