RE: what do you think
 

Last yera was mty first year hunting. I had an either sex tag. I let 3 spkies and 2 forkhorns walk. It almost paid off, becaus ehe second last day of the season I let a forkhorn walk and, my dad was mad..., but we pushed the bush it was in and I had strict orders to shoot if I saw it again. Ends up my uncle got a really nice shot as the second poster at about a 140 class buk but missed. So it did pay off. I let the little ones go and we got a shot at a big one. I also missed a big one earlier in the year...I'm doing the same thign this year. I didn't get a buck last yera and I may not this year, but there are 5 more deer that are bigger this year...
<a href='http://www.angelfire.com/ab7/bookbucks/NonTypicalWhitetails'>
Record Book Bucks!</a>

RE: what do you think
 

30-06 If you want to wait for a big one then thats what I would do .I don't feel hunting is just about killing something but rather what you feel about it . As far as the younger deer being better eating ,I have taken a lot of older deer and they have all been good so far .LOL I will admit to killing one that was so old even the gravy was tough . I wish you luck whatever you decide .

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RE: what do you think
 

It depends if you get big bucks around where you hunt. If you do, then your opinion my be to let spikes and 4-points walk. But, if I was you I would dump the first buck that walked by with 4 in. spikes or better.

RE: what do you think
 

I think that you need to have a good understanding of the buck quality in the area. In my area I know that there are many small 6-8 point bucks and very few large bucks. After hunting an area for a few years you will get to know the quality of deer in the area.

That is the measure that I use. I can usually guess about the size and quality of deer in the area. Sometimes it makes since to take a smaller deer.

RE: what do you think
 

Personally, I would take the spike. Unless you have tight control over the deer herd, as on private land, the deer's chances of making it another year are slim. Also, a spike this year isn't likely to be an 8 pointer next year, just a fatter spike, or possibly a 4 point. Taking a nice legal buck will boost your confidence and get you ready to go for the bigger ones.