My question is do any of you know the answer to this? Is a spike always a spike?
No, a spike is not always a spike. Deer that are spikes their first year will generally always get bigger in the following years. But most bucks that are spikes their first year will always be "behind" other bucks of the same age. A 1 1/2 year old spike will never produce a set of horns as big as a buck who was a 4,6, or 8 pointer his first year.
There are alot of ranches in this area that have a "kill on site" policy towards spike bucks. But these are very well managed ranches and most of the time a spike buck is a rare sight. However I dont recommend people killing 1 1/2 year old spikes, unless you have a very strict management program. IMO the only spikes that should be shot are the ones who appear to be older then 1 1/2.