Why did you do that? That was the question I got from a friend of mine that I hunt and fish with. I heard that someone shot a spike last year in the same woods I am hunting. Here in Tenn., they upped the number of doe that one can harvest. We can shoot 4 doe now just in archery. Unless I can get 'lucky' and see a real nice shooter buck, I am going to wait until it is closer to the rut. When I know that the bucks will be moving real good. I am just looking at putting meat on the table at this point. Don't need to shoot a 'spike'. Who is with me?
I should also add that this spike came within 10 yards of me. He was still in velvet. It was awesome to watch him. He was just too small.
I don't get why people feel the need to try and validate their choices on what they should shoot at by asking that question to probably 99.99% strangers on a forum. Shoot what makes YOU happy!
If it was a 4 year old spike with 25" beams and 20+" spread is drop and mount it. But no, a normal spike I pass all the time. No reason to shoot one.
In the area that I hunt I am no longer allowed to shoot spike's or fork horn but i wouldn't if i could.
Plenty of spikes and little bucks in my area, so it really doesn't bug me to shoot one at the beginning of the season when the freezer is empty, but here in OK we get 2 buck tags. Shoot or pass on what you want. I really don't care about what people think I should or shouldn't shoot and neither should you. Just have fun and hunt!
^^ Agreed! I was hoping my buddy would get a shot at the spike I passed on opener. He's never shot a buck. I'm passing, but hold nothing against someone who shoots.
...and in no way am I saying anything bad about shooting a spike. That is fine. I don't care what everyone else does. Each to there own. I was just simply stating that a friend of mine was 'curious' why I didn't shoot. We have plenty of doe here where I hunt, didn't see the necessity to shoot a spike. That is all it is. Not putting anyone down for what 'they' do themselves.
In my area of Wisconsin (not Buffalo County) I was brought up to shoot any buck you get a chance to shot. In 1992 I passed my first bucks, 2 spikes. My friends said I was nuts! I ended up shooting a nice 9 point that year. Be patient and it will pay off. If not this year, next year when the spike has grown. Good luck!
that comes with experience and what is in your area. People who have never shot something with horns before and dont see big bucks around would deffinately be drawing. Other guys who have a few under their belt or have a better buck in mind are gonna be passing. Nothing wrong with either one its just preference of the hunter.
If a person has limited amount of time and isn't a trophy hunter I don't see why they should pass on a deer. Even if it's a spike. I agree with the guys who say, shoot what makes you happy. A spike is better eats than a plastic tag.
I remember the 1st time I told my dad I passed on a buck. He looked at me with the most confused look, it was a concept he just could not understand at the time. I think a lot of older guys can be like that. At least here in PA. I also remember one time I actually did shoot a spike (we are a one buck state) and the guys where I worked were stunned that I tagged it!!!! Not that I shot it, but that I tagged it.
