Spikes.

[bloodtrailer28]

And I think THIS is how ya have a logical, respectful, debate/conversation on a somewhat controversial topic... So thanks y'all... Before others turn it the wrong way... If that happens, I'm out....


Just shows there's no one single rule that fits every situation...

you are right on that one

[Black Ice]

http://www.realtree.com/deer-hunting...tons-to-booner

Not sure if it has been posted but I like this.

May be the most posted article I've seen ever

[Limbwalker]

You studied the wrong material.

LOL. Old wives tales die hard. Esp. if they are home grown.

[LWD]

This has been productive though from the standpoint that it illustrates that the issue is more complex than just shooting spikes or not. It's not about whether you should shoot them or not; it's about the bigger picture of herd management.

LWD

[popup_menace]

[SB09]

Touché... You are correct in that regard...

But this conversation wasn't about what someone else shoots... Since someone wanted to start an argument (as stated in post #1), I was steering away from argument toward an actual logic infused discussion. I had some questions that I wanted someone to explain their logic to me as they apply to MY situation (too many young bucks, not enough does)... So maybe I was stirring the pot a little in an effort to make people THiNK outside the box for a few moments...

The whole "shouldn't shoot spikes" thing doesn't apply in every situation...

That is correct. There is certain situations where shooting young deer is needed. I'm not against shooting spikes. I'm against shooting immature deer. There is no possible way to make a good judgement on a deer that is 1.5 simply because there's a bunch of different factors besides genetics, which is what our spike shooters putting all their stock into, that go into determining what antler configuration a buck grows.

Wet year vs. Dry year. Being a double fawn instead of a single. Time of birth. Availability of food. Availability of water. Weather patterns. To name a few.

That's what a lot of people understand that don't shoot spikes. This type of thing isn't solely based on genetics. Sometimes, even despite all those factors, spike shooting is a good idea. But, those type situations aren't the rule, they're the exception. Shoot all spikes, regardless of any other factors, is BAD management. Those who disagree need to take an in depth look into the side of not shooting spikes.

[Fishndude]

I knew this was going to be said.

Well, you requested an argument.

[agdave112]

I personally don't shoot yearling spikes. It doesn't bother me if someone else chooses to and it's within the regulations. The one thing that does make me laugh a little is when I hear people talk about shooting spikes and then say every year all we see are spikes and yet they shoot them every year. The way I figure they are shooting all the young bucks so yeah they won't see anything but young bucks

[lovemylegacy]

Well, you requested an argument.

Yes he did.

[Sippy]

If you have a ton of young bucks every year, its because you ( or lease mates/neighbors) are killing deer before they can mature.

Manage your doe herd, get your nutrition and habitat where it needs to be, hold off on young deer.

Once that is done, you will have fewer spikes and more mature deer.

[SB09]

If you have a ton of young bucks every year, its because you ( or lease mates/neighbors) are killing deer before they can mature.

Manage your doe herd, get your nutrition and habitat where it needs to be, hold off on young deer.

Once that is done, you will have fewer spikes and more mature deer.

Sad that some people can't figure it out.

[agdave112]

If you have a ton of young bucks every year, its because you ( or lease mates/neighbors) are killing deer before they can mature.

Manage your doe herd, get your nutrition and habitat where it needs to be, hold off on young deer.

Once that is done, you will have fewer spikes and more mature deer.

Exactly what I think about it

[Sippy]

Sad that some people can't figure it out.

Culling bucks shouldn't even be on the mind of someone dealing with poor herd structure.

[SB09]

Culling bucks shouldn't even be on the mind of someone dealing with poor herd structure.

When you say poor herd structure are you talking buck to doe ratio? Or, age structure of the bucks themselves?

[Sippy]

When you say poor herd structure are you talking buck to doe ratio? Or, age structure of the bucks themselves?

Both.