A "mature" spike??

[Tubby]

After seeing the recent thread concerning "once a spike, always a spike", I got to thinking...

Of all the place I've hunted, Mississippi, Louisiana, east, Tx, west, Tx, central Tx, and south Tx, I've never seen a "mature" spike. Of all the spikes none have been more than 1.5. Either aged on the hoof or via tooth wear. (let's not get into the tooth wear aging debate). I've seen a few pictures and stores of "big" mature spikes that needed taken out.

The spike debate has always been around and probably always will be. We can't know in advance what mother nature has up her sleeve...

So let's see those "mature" spikes. Ones that came along and stayed a spike.

Surely someone's got LDP's or game cam pics of some spikes 2.5 and older...

[Scout Man]

I would also like to see. Much debate but no pics. Hmmmm

[Passthrough]

There are no mature spikes! People whack them at 1 1/2!

[Uncle Saggy]

This one was shot in Iron Mountain Michigan, 1932

[jooger17]

Watching skeptically...

[ted_kennedys_liver]

I have only seen one that was mature - never got a shot at him. He was on a game cam. Definitely older than 1.5. The rest I have seen have always been young bucks between 1 and 2 yrs old. Never have seen one that stayed a spike that I had as a regular visitors from the year before (that made it to the next season). Since AR took place in the Counties I hunt, spikes have become almost as rare as a drop tine monster because (I assume) they are getting blasted the second they are seen because the other option is waiting on a legal buck with 13" or greater spread - which is also a rarity . It is a debate that will live on forever i reckon.

[Draco]

Here's ya three.

[Capstone]

This one was shot in Iron Mountain Michigan, 1932

Looks mature. Thought those only occurred in Texas jack rabbits. Who knew



______________
Michael

[leebtattoos]

Over the years I have seen plenty of mature spike. Not as many as young ones though. Just look at Los Cazadores or any other big deer contest. There's usually aways a spike category.

[Froggy]

Don't have a clue where this one was shot.

[Daddy Rabbit]

Unreal pic Froggy!! I think that one is mature. Trophy for sure.

[FCTrapper]

Here's ya three.

Your certain they are over 1.5???? I would NEVER stick my neck out and say for sure they were 1.5 or 2.5 years old. I will say that MOST hunters can NOT with any certaintity determine if a buck is 1 or 2 years old just by lookiing at a trail camera photo or incidental sightings. Why risk any credibilty over a 1.5 year old spike. Does it really make a difference in your deer herd??? Whether they are 1.5 or 3.5 years old I can bet there are so many other thing that you will need to do for managing a deer herd other than shooting a spike.

[Speedgoat]

This deer was 2 years old. Aged him at the G-town check station.

[Bonehead]

I've never seen a mature spike. I do believe they could grow with opportunity, but I always take 'em out cause I've got an extra tag for 'em! Taste too good.

[jathomas437]

Don't have a clue where this one was shot.


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Holy Bull Horns Batman!