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Post by justsand on Dec 12, 2007 9:43:06 GMT -5
Looking for some input from everyone. I have hear quite a few guys talking about what to do with spikes, I have heard shoot them whenever you can to get them out of the heard and I have also heard to pass on them they could still grow. And I have also heard only shoot the one's you know are 3+ years old that they will never be anything more then a larger spike.
So anyone have an opinion to share?
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Post by THE DEER HUNTER on Dec 12, 2007 10:05:28 GMT -5
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bigjim
Hunter
You cant kill'em sitting at home
Posts: 64
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Post by bigjim on Dec 12, 2007 10:51:04 GMT -5
This is just my opinion on the subject. As I have said before I shoot a deer buck (big or small horns) or doe (only mature ones)
when the are in the cross hairs. If you want big bucks then I think you will have to let the spikes walk they will grow and I think they will continue to grow if they have the right food and genetics.
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Post by Hardcorehunter on Dec 12, 2007 13:37:39 GMT -5
Pass on them. I have never seen a three year old spike before, but I new for a FACT he was three and a spike, I'd shoot him.
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Post by THE DEER HUNTER on Dec 12, 2007 14:01:59 GMT -5
Bigjim,
Just out of curiosity, how come you'll only shoot a mature doe, but not the same for a buck?
Just wondering.
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Post by branson on Dec 12, 2007 14:16:18 GMT -5
I read an article the other day suggesting that bucks that are spikes as yearlings tend to have smaller antlers as adults, nutrition aside. Over six generations of removing spikes, the study group starting producing yearlings with up to 8 points and inches of antler went way up. I'll see if I can find it and send it out if y'all are interested.
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Post by reed on Dec 12, 2007 14:25:30 GMT -5
Unless it has been a while since I shot anything and wanted some meat or at least a little return on some effort, I would let the little ones go. Mainly because if I am going to go through the trouble of butchering a deer I would at least like some meat on it. So if it is a big bodied spike it is going home because I would use its size to guess it is older than 1 year and in my opinion it is time to for it to go.
Also depends on where I hunt. One property I hunt only allows bigger bucks to be taken before the second week of gun season. Then only does and larger bucks. They are trying to keep the little ones around in hopes they grow, and they also know the hunt clubs nearby to a good enough job of shooting the spikes.
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bigjim
Hunter
You cant kill'em sitting at home
Posts: 64
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Post by bigjim on Dec 12, 2007 14:37:55 GMT -5
I like to leave the young does alone because for me i have seen that the more young does that are running around during the rut the more the bucks are on the move. The mature does are just as smart as the bucks and sometimes smarter and harder to get. Also our land is against a state park and they do enough damage to the young does and the small bucks. Bigjim, Just out of curiosity, how come you'll only shoot a mature doe, but not the same for a buck? Just wondering. |
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Post by THE DEER HUNTER on Dec 12, 2007 14:55:44 GMT -5
Makes sense to me. Didn't think about that, but I'm sure the younger doe are dumber & more likely to bring a nice buck by you.
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bigjim
Hunter
You cant kill'em sitting at home
Posts: 64
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Post by bigjim on Dec 12, 2007 15:05:19 GMT -5
That seems to be the way it works. In fact I had a bunch of young does (about 8) bring a nice 4 and a big 9 point 15 yards from me this year. ( the 9 point was removed)
Now we do have some land that we only shoot 8 points or better.
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Post by THE DEER HUNTER on Dec 12, 2007 15:13:42 GMT -5
( the 9 point was removed) Well put! ;D |
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Post by osprey on Dec 12, 2007 15:32:13 GMT -5
Let them go, at least that's my opinion. Gee, how quickly that goes out the window on sika hunts!!!!!!! ;D |
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Post by THE DEER HUNTER on Dec 12, 2007 15:51:08 GMT -5
;D
YEP! Though I did pass one up during bow season to shoot a hind.
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Post by davep on Dec 12, 2007 16:20:25 GMT -5
Depends on both the individual deer and the hunter.
To some guys, a buck is a buck.
Youngsters, beginners,etc are more than happy to take a spike.
Penn State used to (may still) have deer pens where they do research.
With genetics and nutrition you can get 1 1/2 year old 8 points.
Other deer, due to poor nutrition, may carry spikes afew years, then with better feed, blossom into a shooter. Every deer/situation is different.
Other curious thing was, some thought that rack and body size came more from the doe's side than the bucks.THAT ought to mess up some "management" plans.
I killed a 5 pt a few years back that was ridiculous. Each "main beam" was maybe 1/2-5/8" thick and about 5" long, with 1" stickers for points. But then again, we had a"spike" that had palmated antlers at least 14" tall. My younger brother hunted exclusively for that deer, but never got a shot. I suspect it was very old and in decline. I had some grainy videotape of it in velvet and it was impressive.
All that said, I shoot what pleases me at that moment. If it's late up in the year, and we need more meat, no problems with spikes, forks,whatever, but I do prefer to shoot the "small"spikes and forks,figuring they be less likely to make up into something nice.
Everyone hunts for their own reasons,and it it ain't my place to try to dictate to them what they should or should not do.
Saw a button last Friday tha twas maybe 70# but looked like it had walnuts on top it's head. Hope he makes it another 3 or 4 years. I suspect he'll be something.
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Post by deerman1966 on Dec 12, 2007 19:38:44 GMT -5
we usually give spike's a free pass and other smaller bucks on our farm to see what happens when they get 2-1/2 & 3-1/2 you can see what they have to offer rack wise then is time to make your decision. but if somebody is hunting hard and takes a spike or small buck congragulations taking any legal deer should not be frowned upon. everybody is hunting for different things and reasons...
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