spikes?
10-24-2005 | 07:21 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Typical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 699
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From: Wichita Kansas USA
spikes?
Looking for opinions on spikes-do you let them walk or take them out as genetically inferior? I have seen opinions both ways. Here in kansas we are only allowed one antlered tag so in is hard to spend it on a spike, especially this early in the year. To date I have seen two spikes that had brow tines. Both had relatively long spikes 8-10 inches and appeared to be 18 month old dear. From some sources I have read these deer will grow decent racks as they mature. I would like to hear your opinions and especially anyone out there that might have some background in deer management.
10-24-2005 | 07:39 AM
#3
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 779
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From: KY USA
RE: spikes?
As far as heard management I wouldn't take them just because they are a spike.A lot of stuidies have shown that spikes can develope very good sets of antlers.....it's all int he genetics, food, & minerals in the area. The odl spike thing is just an old tail that has stuck around for a long time. Now if you want some great meat to eat there is nothing wrong with taking a spike!
10-24-2005 | 07:56 AM
#4
Boone & Crockett
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,682
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From: Michigan/Ohio
RE: spikes?
It matters where you hunt. I hunt Northen MI where you are lucky to see a spike. On my farm in Southern MI I do not shoot spikes. If you need meat a 18 month old is mighty tasty!!. Bottom line it's the hunters choice, and we all should respect each others choices!!
10-24-2005 | 11:13 AM
#6
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 55
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From:
RE: spikes?
Antler characteristics are genetic therefore, spikes are inferior deer. Will they always be spikes? No. Can they achieve decent antlers? Yes. On the Average spike deer will have poorer antler growth as adults than those deer with forked antlers (assuming equal nutrition). Should you shoot spikes? Itdepends on what your management goal is. If you are aiming toward trophy bucks I say yes, If you just want some decent deer than no. But if you are going to shoot him when he is a 2 1/2 year old 6 point or a 3 1/2 year old 8 point you might as well shoot him as a spike.
Look up the Texas Parks and Wildlife spike study done on the Kerr WMA. There are many places on the net that have it. Its a good read.
Look up the Texas Parks and Wildlife spike study done on the Kerr WMA. There are many places on the net that have it. Its a good read.
