Spike Buck - Shoot or don't shoot?
 

I guess this is a der management question, but here goes. I have seen this large body spike several days in a row now, and decided to let him walk. However, yesterday I saw him and a small basket rack 6 pointer together. The spikes body size was fairly larger than the 6 pointer. I would have to guess that the spike may be older than 1 1/2 years old. What do you think? should I take him out of the heard or let him go? The spikes are only about 5 to 6 inches tall and fairly thin.

The problem is that you don't know the age. He could be a big bodied young deer. There have been some great studies, done as of late, that have proven against the theory that "once a spike, always a spike." Give him another year, make mental notes of certain body markings, and see what he becomes. Another thing to consider is that even with culling what you feel are inferior deer has little influence on a deer herd. Remember that does carry 50% of the genes that go towards the young.

Unless you control thousands of acres of land you are wasting your time.

Let him walk!

Let him go! In a couple of years he could be a whopper, Fact!

If your hunting area is like mine, there's no telling whos waiting over the hill to shoot him if you pass him up. I say if he gives you a good shot, take'em.

Pass on him. In order to see what a whitetails true potential is they need to be at least 4.5 years because thats usually when their antler growth peaks.

I'd wait at least one more year until thinking about culling him. It's tough to tel just how old that deer is.

I agree with Nctaxi, Once a spike was held in captivity and grew to be a 175 inch deer. So let him walk, Give him a chance to grow something

Are you hungry?
Live it up! Doug

Do what makes you happy.

Doe's eat better. :party0005:

As well as fawns!:happy0001: Tender!!!!!
Live it up! Doug

I dont hesitate to put a bullet through a spike :) if he gives me a good shot that is lol

Exactly!! I am on public land and if I don't shoot a deer someone else will. A couple of seasons back I watched two yearlings for a few days in a row until one day I found what was left laying in the parking area.

Do what you want to do. Only you can make that decision. If you want to shoot him, then shoot him. If you don't want to shoot him, then don't. Me personally, I wouldn't shoot a spike. On the other hand, I'm hunting my own property, so I have the luxery of letting some deer walk.

Just like the Double Bull guys say "killing tomorrows trophies today" if it's brown it's down.

Let there be loins on the table.

Let him walk

If your public land is like the public land I hunt, he'll not make it to his "potential". I say that deer were put on earth for food, not the wall. Forget what's on his head - - if it's legal and you want meat - - you know what to do. :fighting0007: