Why Shoot A Spike Buck?

[@garyhalverson5607]

great video....

[@monster-ok9pr]

Meet of course

[@joshblainer2652]

Oh and at 18:04 that is a cool looking little buck on the water hole

[@rafaelrjarquin]

I hunt on a piece of land I own in Québec, the only tag allowed for deer is for buck with antlers of 3" minimun and the hunt only open for 9 days. In three year of hunting, I feel really lucky this year to had the chance to harvest a "spike" with 3 point on one side.

[@adamlewis4158]

I took a 5 point (4 on one side and spike on the other) this last deer season, ugly rack but this guy couldn’t be happier as a first time for a buck.

[@noahwilliamson8433]

Waiting for 7 o’clock hoping we get a new video today! I got a question for Dylan !😅 -Alabama

[@j.l8531]

I shot a spike this year, 2nd year hunter and I totally mistook him for a doe. Good shot with compound at 35 yards. I totally thought it was a doe, shame on me for not glassing at dusk. Passed on bigger does, my eyes played tricks on me at last daylight. I'm working on it. Hope you all don't crucify me. I'm getting into that age where I need confirmation, but still think I'm good. It was a learning lesson and one I won't forget.

[@ronaldbabbs2015]

Two years ago I was diagnosed with Colin cancer. I spent all of bow season and around 8 days of firearm season in the hospital. Doctor's told me no way I should go hunting when I get out and go home but the next morning after getting to go home I drove my truck all the way down the hill right up to my blind. I was just happy to be out hunting and really didn't think I had a chance to see a buck in my food plot. 30 minutes into the hunt I small 7 point walked out and just stood there looking at my truck like what is that doing there. I took carful aim and dropped him where he stood with my 243. I had plenty bigger 10 and 11 pointers on the land I hunt but I was so excited to harvest a buck and to be alive and it's hard to explain but at that moment I had never felt more alive in my life. Needless to say my wife was not a happy camper lol but I sure was. I'm sorry this comment is so dang long but I really hope you took the time out of you busy day to read it. PS I'm doing much better and cancer free at this time and back to chasing mature bucks. Good luck this up and coming season.

[@Tyler_Lyons]

That is awesome Ronald!!!

[@ronaldbabbs2015]

@@Tyler_Lyons thank you so much. Appreciate that more than you could know. ❤️

[@johnswafford427]

Glad you are doing better and congratulations on the buck!

[@ronaldbabbs2015]

@@johnswafford427 thank you.

[@adamdrouin2295]

That's great Ron! Glad you survived and you are still around to enjoy hunting and life in general

[@ML-ks2lj]

Had a nice spike about 7 yards from me not long ago. I practiced on him but never shot. Dad said "why not?" Made me think about it and that's when I came to the realization that I looked him in the eyes and realized he's only a yearling. Wanted him to grow.

[@heyman6010]

My first tree stands in the late 70s and 80s we’re home made wood stands. Shaped like a wedge with no seats. I don’t even know if there were factory made stands back then. If there were ,as a kid I couldn’t afford them anyway.

[@abelguerra8284]

A lot of public lands here in florida it's illegal to shoot does or button bucks now we have antler restrictions here it's actually made a difference on age of bucks harvested and the addition of bag limits made hunting better starting to see more bucks and I'm enjoying the fact our deer population is starting to improve

[@collinanderson335]

My dad and I both got a spike buck last year, don't pass up on something the first day, that you would shoot on the last. I took mine with my grandads 30-30, we hunt a mini mountain range and you never know what you might see.

[@benjaminlong2837]

New to hunting. My understanding is does will taste better, or younger bucks. So far I’ve only killed does. But I’m interested in what you have to say. Now I’ll watch the video, thanks

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Benjamin, thanks a lot for watching!! Typically they all taste about the same 😊 There are very few exceptions...

[@trevorkolmatycki4042]

I haven’t yet found a good recipe for antlers.

[@ItsShadyOfficial]

This past season I’ve let many does walk trying to get me a buck. Saw a spike that looked like a doe and took him down. His spikes were interesting because they were about 6 to 7 inches just straight. Like a double unicorn. I also saw a nice cow horn buck with g2s but didn’t take a shot at him.

[@travisethridge4062]

I need 4-5 deer for the family a year. I am not picky. Still waiting for the big one but bellies come first

[@Jonnydeerhunter]

Same here

[@RazGriz]

My first was a button buck that I mistook for a doe from 125 yards out. But at the end of the day, it's all about meat for me, not prestige.

[@Bamapride1000]

The best thing we’ve ever done is if the doe has twin buck fawns and she comes by us on our place she’s gone. If she’s out of the picture then you’ll keep those two buck fawns most times. Thru this practice we’ve managed to keep several bucks and get our buck numbers up really good. This property was shot out when we obtained it and through this practice we’ve brought our numbers up to better than ever in 7 years. We’re killing several bucks 130+ now here in northeast alabama where a 130 is a rarity

[@chrishenicke2052]

Taboo subject! I have fawns with 4 to 6 points. I have also seen yearling bucks with 10+ points…. Here’s what matters when “managing” a deer herd. Where are you hunting? What is the deer density? How much natural forage is available and are you supplement feeding? Manage your deer density, manage your land and compare buck age classes. If variables are same for all and you have 1.5 yr olds that look really good then I would say don’t be scared to whack a couple spikes. Managing deer has to do with looking for desirable traits in your herd. Keep in mind that extreme weather conditions have a direct effect on antler growth and fawn survival. In a well managed deer herd you won’t see many spikes that aren’t fawns. I do realize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder though… ✌️

[@mountainman1765]

My heart still beats just as hard whether I see a spike step out or a mature buck. I hope I never lose that feeling that nothing else can replace...

[@bobparvin9773]

My biggest spike had 10 in. Horns! I really think it's the world record spike.

[@briancarroll8382]

Love your content, I’m learning a lot from reviewing these. Got my first three deer this season ever at 46 and have really enjoyed being in the woods. Just wanted some deer meat more than anything and enjoy the peace, and quiet that comes with the hunt. Thank you for pointing out so many of the different factors we have to consider. Being a new hunter I wouldn’t have had any meat this season if I was trying to live up to other people’s standards of what to shoot. Only been seeing young deer for the most part on the small piece of land I’ve been hunting and it’s been so much fun. My kids are getting into it also. Thanks for what you all are putting out there.

[@Longtrailside]

I agree, if it makes you happy and its legal, go for it. Personally i like the young tender bucks for steaks amd roasts. The older ones are good for burger, sausage, jerky. I never cared for what size rack they have, since what im going for is the meat. To many other hunters get wrapped up in the size of the rack and forget about why thier out there.

[@Jefestephens]

Jeff where are you seeing 10 point yearlings???

[@carsonschulz6498]

Very very cool young buck at 18:10. Hope he makes it to 4 or 5 for you. Would remember him in B roll footage in a video 4 years from now

[@Cofo94]

what b&c deer were yearling spikes? “man many histories”?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Likely 10s of thousands of not hundreds of thousands. Just common knowledge....you never know what they will become at 5 or 6 years of age. However, in most areas they average 8/9 points or more at 2.5.

[@archravert7444]

Really like what your saying here

[@jeffreyhall2136]

First deer I killed was a spike. It was getting dark, thought is was a doe.

[@stewart2603]

I appreciate your content. God is good

[@marcmiller7588]

I can relate to this video so much , it's been 15 years since I shot a buck and yesterday on public land I let 6 deer walk by because I was waiting for a bigger set of antlers . Still kicking myself for that

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Oh dang Marc..just get back at it and enjoy 😊

[@cmbmail42]

Early season I was letting 4-7 deer walk per hunt, now I'm struggling to fill a tag. Won't make that mistake again

[@Minnesotalife]

I would have no problem shooting spikes but I like to try to hold out on them so I can make it to the gun season.

[@evanjarvi406]

You're correct they taste better than tag soup and if they're are legal in your area,antler shaming happens too often.

[@imahunterdealwithit3486]

The funny thing here in Texas the only reason why I shoot spikes is because it is one of our tags to shoot one we get 2 buck tags and 2 doe And the doe we can only shoot in bow season And the other buck has to be 13 inches inside spread

[@RED_ONE_BOWHUNTING]

My first deer was a spike last year. I’m in my early 40s and just started hunting. Getting a deer under my belt from a saddle and with a bow was a huge confidence boost. Now I’m hooked for life 🖤

[@Jonnydeerhunter]

Welcome to the Family!

[@JB-JB-JB-JB]

Red, I’m in the same boat you were in. Seasoned rifle Hunter by has been 20 yrs since of been in woods. I obtained a 40 acre lot surrounded by 1000s acres. New Mathew’s bow, Vertex range finder and old Realtree camo from the 90s! Lol. I’m so ready!! My cameras are locked on massive 6. Wish me luck!!

[@RED_ONE_BOWHUNTING]

@@JB-JB-JB-JB go get ‘em man! Good luck!

[@JB-JB-JB-JB]

Thanks! Would you recommend the saddle? I’m still using old climber and some have told me the saddle is not for “older gents” lol. Sad to say I guess I’m in that category but physically fit to manage for sure. Do you have thoughts about saddle hunting or tips?

[@RED_ONE_BOWHUNTING]

@@JB-JB-JB-JB saddle hunting is great for being really mobile. Being able to get into any tree. It's not good for morning hunts unless you have sticks set up the evening before your morning hunt. I feel like I'm too loud setting up with the saddle for morning hunts. Climbers are great too because you can go as high as you want in the tree. Climbers are probably more comfortable as well for all day sits. I have permanent stands for my property and i use my saddle for permission properties.

[@austingarcia4521]

A trophy is only in the hunter eyes if its a doe spike 2 point 4x4 I feel good when I fill a tag sure big one be amazing but just as happy with a spike or forky

[@traviscarrolloutdoors9580]

Love your view on this topic. Found your video because a guy on facebook was bashing a guy who shot his first deer which was a spike. Imagine that. Well he got tore up pretty good in the comments naturally because most hunter are just that, hunters. Strict trophy hunters love to belittle people for egotistical purposes mostly I guess. The fact that shooting a doe is like killing 2-3 deer vs a spike is really something, anyone who has shot a mature doe can never bash a spike hunter period 😂

[@joenewmeyer8358]

They taste good, that's why

[@davidphillip8986]

I had a pair of button bucks hanging around with mom. She stayed one night after they took off and I took her. Sounds like I may have done something good to keep them on property without realizing it.

[@jameshardy4694]

Most of our spikes ran off our bigger bucks

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That would be extremely hard to actually be true, as the spikes are the youngest and feature or disabled zero dominance 99.9% of the time.

[@alexpinnow6509]

Really like this video! Shot a messed up 9pt buck with a broken nose (cool euro mount) and tons of character. Dressed out at 134 in early January, BIG deer on the downhill slide.

[@montemaguire4596]

As for as the way meat tastes every deer I have ever harvested I ate .

[@shane8103]

I haven't shot a deer in 5 or 6 years. I enjoy hunting and go every year. I have not seen a lot of does but have seen a ton of small bucks. For me I like watching them but I do want the bucks to get bigger and breed. I've chose not to shoot but I would like to have the venison in the freezer. This is my personal preference. It doesn't matter the size of deer to be honest it's about the experience. Everyone has their own. Enjoy being out there.

[@dustinhudson933]

You are so right! I've often thought that hunting shows have ruined hunting for alot of ppl

[@dwill9432]

I shot for food I don't care for the antlers size I'm there to feed the family not a trophy but don't get me wrong it feels good to get a big buck and it's just feels good to be out in the woods and enjoying the nature

[@bigwilderness3006]

In the U.P. it is possible to shoot a 2.5 spike.Lots depends on winter ,social stresses . Habitat isn't the greatest up there on a large part.

[@SellsZac]

"You can't eat the antlers!" always seems to come from the guy who passed up 100+ decent does to shoot the first spike that he sees.

[@carlwilliams6300]

I have shot a lot of spikes in my lifetime my work schedule never allowed me to be able to scout much and I have killed a lot of 8 points also and I can honestly say I have the same feeling on both there is nothing like that if I ever lose that feeling then I will quit hunting deer period !

[@Meh-hr7gq]

Spikes will not always be spikes, but they will be behind in antler growth compare to the 4,6,8 yearlings. Our average for a 4 yo deer is 130-140. Average for spike at 4 is 90. Biologist conducted.

[@olcowcatcher671]

A lot of people are meat hunters pretty hard to eat the anterles

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Larger antlers = Older/Larger bucks = More meat. So in a way, you can 😉

[@greenhorn7184]

I hunt in the mountains and we have a sub species but I believe it’s a couse deer , I spotted him and he only hade spikes I did t take the shot because I wanted him to mature and pass his seed on, I saw him again before the season was over and he hade a doe with him , I’m glade I didn’t shoot him and I hope no one shot him either

[@Coopdeville0624]

Seems like big bucks have gotten real rare around here in the upper peninsula the last 7 years or so. I live in gogebic county so it might be much better east of us. I got a 7 pointer last year but was probably only a year or 2 old. The antler was about 1 inch thick at the base maybe a little more

[@bobbygreen2291]

On my land here in North Carolina, seven years ago I got down to one doe ,,I had a neighbor who shot all deer and sold them to people ,,, but he moved away an I got a new neighbor who is a wonderful friend an neighbor,,that year three years ago this one doe had three buck fawns an raised them all ,,the next year she had three again, one doe and two bucks ,,and then last summer she had four buck fawns ,,believe it or not all of those deer are still here and her one doe fawn also had one doe fawn ,,this last summer which I named queen grace ,,,I now see eight or ten bucks everyday and two to four does every day in my yard ,,,folks one doe is a gold mine.

[@GamingNorthwoods]

I got weird genetics around my house I got a 3 year old spike atleast, he grew really long Main beams but nothing else, they gotta be atleast 13 inches long

[@coletrain4106]

I hunted hides for profit and lived off the land for weeks at a time and never found a way to cook the horns...

[@ferengiprofiteer9145]

I shot a 5.5 year old, 17 inch wide, 17 inch beam spike this year. He'd been on my hit list for 3 years. One of my favorite hunts ever. And favorite skulls.

[@ferengiprofiteer9145]

@Number 1 Fan Ha! With the price of ammo, there's no profit anyway. 🤣

[@ML-ks2lj]

And that is my problem. I'm not good at killing a yearling. I look em in the eyes to much. And unfortunately I'm not good at killing mature one either lol. Good at finding them but never good at getting close enough for a shot.

[@garrettglover220]

If you want meat then do it or if it’s legal in your state I would cause I love venison

[@dailygrind9237]

Are points an accurate way of telling age, or would thickness be a better clue? Or both? I used to hunt my property, all 6ish acres of it, until I learned one of our neighbors had befriended some of the deer a few years back. Now I can walk almost right up to them, both doe and buck. They have been posting videos of their wild friends, in one of them he was able to give two yearlings a scratching on their heads, velvet and all. The little experiences I have had were awesome enough to stop me from hunting around here. One shot one kill, words to live by while ammo prices are high.

[@thomasjohnson7282]

My grandfather thinks once a spike always a spike lol

[@ML-ks2lj]

Lol broke my heel falling outbid a tree I climbed. It was grown bent over with a back rest against another tree. Well it was damp out and I didnt see the pile of wet pool on the top of the tree as I was standing up to shimmy around comfortable and I slipped on it and fell and landed in my feet in the thick stuff with dead sticks and logs all over and broke my left heel. Don't be me.

[@briargoatkilla]

Right from the get go he says "a spike is a yearling buck." Exactly. So many people get that wrong. I see 120lb 4 points and 75lb spikes every season. They are all the same age. That's why I don't mind putting a little spike in the freezer.

[@underdogoutdoors]

A spike used to be a trophy in the 1980's in Pennsylvania! 😆

[@mikegrayjr6527]

Facts.... its all about the hunt and the experience and time spent doing what you love to do

[@travisshuttleworth630]

I had a spike in January that still had his spots! I'm hoping he never loses them! Game Warden said he's never seen one before

[@dylanthrall5657]

My grandpa shot big bucks and does only and he shot a spike his last time hunting

[@ligmaballs5536]

All I have to hunt is public land so I will shoot whatever legal buck comes first because just over the next hill are 5 other hunters

[@mitchellgenz1373]

You summed it up with just enjoy your hunt, great topic and video Jeff.

[@bobbygreen6670]

I hunt on 7 acres this is my 3rd year of hunting ever I have 10 does and hardly any bucks this is in North Georgia is that to many does?

[@bigwilderness3006]

Lots of ages kill their first bucks.Not always kids.Another thing myself a button legally tagged and eaten is much better then thru a windshield. Every hunting area is different .High numbers enjoy the hunt.

[@ldware9]

I learned most of my hunting knowledge from watching KZbin and Google. I'm not from a hunting family and most my hunting friends rather hunt alone and our schedules sometime conflicted. Took a friend out hunting on his birthday and successfully harvested his first buck and first deer ever. I must say I had a greater time teaching him and helping him then I think I would have doing it myself. He was all of maybe 40yrds from me when he took his shot with his bow. So I got to see and hear everything. The look on his face was priceless.

[@seldomseen_outdoors]

I haven't watched yet but I will after I comment. Just from the title my answer is the only time I think a spike buck should be shot is ... 1. A junior hunter/first buck 2. A disabled hunter where spikes are legal.

[@samhardel4004]

When I first started hunting I told myself I was gonna hold off for a buck 6 years later i said screw it and I shot my first deer then 5 years later shot my first buck

[@raybship1]

I had a basket rack 7 point go by me at 2 yards and work a scrape at 10 broadside for 5 minutes. After he started to leave I thought what in the hell am i doing!? I hadn't shot a deer with my bow in 20 years and this was bigger than that! So as I'm motherbleeping myself and watching him walk away he stops turns and comes back to work a scrape at 20 yards ! Well I heart shot the biggest deer with my bow to date and a week later in a much better area ( Southwest Lower Peninsula) I passed on the same 120 2 1/2 year old 3 times. Good advice and I'm glad you are speaking truth to people on this subject.

[@tonysmith5785]

Good stuff Jeff. Hunting under the veil of someone else's expectations is incredibly taxing. I've ALWAYS said that there isn't a deer walking the earth, past or present, that is worth sacrificing a friendship. Unfortunately, I've had "friends" that didn't subscribe to that philosophy and they judged the value of our friendship on my harvest decisions (inches vs. age). I'm content with my contribution to deer management on a micro, and macro, scale here in the mitten and I celebrate any and all success in the whitetail woods. A little quote that I live by "People of integrity expect to be believed, and when they're not, they let time prove them right". Keep swinging the sword my friend!

[@randyjohnson8262]

Nothing wrong shooting a spike. It fills the freezer. But also, don't shoot a spike everytime you hunt and complain about not ever seeing big deer. You can't have it both ways. I will.say this. Last year (Virginia), I shot a spike on archery. Then shot a nice 8 on muzzleloader. The spike buck was bigger body wise than the 8 point.

[@buddywaters9427]

When I take a meat deer a button buck is by far the best deer meat are young spike Haven’t shot a spike in many years but my choice

[@MrRABland]

I passed on a 10 yard broadside shot with a huge six point last fall because I thought he was a bit young based on conversations with more experienced hunters around here. Of course, my wife went nuts when I told her with comments like, “What are we spending all this money on stands, a bow, etc. if you’re not going to shoot a deer!!!!” Lol, I won’t make that mistake again! Also, I’m impressed that you keep up on the research by reading studies, etc. concerning deer issues. As a retired medical professional, it’s nice to know you’re current with the literature out there. I think that's pretty unique to the sport for those sharing videos, blogs, etc. on KZbin and helps to validate your comments and recommendations.

[@KTMsoldier1988]

Maybe early in the season ill pass that up but come the last week or so its game on if i need some meat!

[@gerdastone8463]

I look at it this way I shot a spike and 4 last year if I had been picky I would have no meat in the freezer which is the ultimate goal of hunting to get good meat, you can't eat antlerd

[@dennybirchfield]

How do we send you a pic can't do it on here

[@randydunmire]

Shoot what makes one happy. Me in Pa, I cannot shoot a spike. Gotta have 3 points on 1 side

[@bad_dreams2346]

I started watching your videos last year, taking the advice. What a difference it has made. Can't thank you all enough. I have a lot of does to put down this year, but I'm looking at my "target" buck every 3 or 4 days, in the daylight, right past my stand now. Unreal. I let him walk last year, even though he was bigger than anything I've ever tagged. I'm mainly a meat hunter, but he is flatly paying me back this year. I'm a mess reviewing my cameras haha.

[@peterj727]

One of the coolest spike bucks I’ve ever seen came out of Mississippi. Years ago I was doing some ADC work on a property down there and one hunter got this spike that had 20” antlers with an 18” spread (I measured it). We figured it was 5-6 years old. I would have loved to have gotten it skull mounted but he wanted to keep it.

[@nra0944]

I’ve seen video of some ancient bucks taken with pretty gnarly sets of spikes but nothing of that size, that sounds absolutely incredible, what a once in a life time deer. I think they’re really cool idk how some people see them as unappealing or inferior. I see them as the old warriors they are. Would love to have seen that legend of a spike you’re talking about.

[@peterj727]

I actually saw it the day before on the hoof. It was one of those times that left you asking yourself if you just saw what you think you saw. Never a dull day on the trap line.

[@nra0944]

@@peterj727 what an awesome experience, brother. gotta love the outdoors, you never know what you might see or if you’ll ever see something like it again. I can definitely imagine it being an “I can’t believe my eyes”’ moment. Craziest deer I’ve seen was wayyy deep in the backwoods of Ohio neighboring some crop fields and I was driving down a dark narrow road around 9 pm and and an absolute tank of a deer stepped out onto the road about 35 yard ahead and I immediately slowed to a near stop to point it out to a buddy that was with me and as I raised my hand to point I noticed this was a big old buck with at least a 25 inch spread, thick thick beams with several stickers and at least two droptines. Just a big gnarly mess of a rack. He stepped out, stood for about 3 seconds or so, looked our direction then ran along side the road away from us for 15 yards and bolted into the brush. Since a kid I’ve always dreamt of taking a big nontyp or even just a good buck with a droptine but ever since I saw that deer I don’t know if I’ll be too upset if I ever see a droptine buck again. I remember being in shock for about a 25-30 minute drive to the house and my buddy who’s not really into hunting acting like I was out of my mind for being so excited but I’ll remember and cherish that experience forever.

[@elicoblentz8650]

A very real and relatable video !

[@therealyt5725]

I keep coming back to this channel for all the info plus the Camp Kicking Back Charity stuff. Even if I’m not a hunter nor able to give money for the kids. Keep up the good work.

[@crustymarine86]

If im running out of season and havnt filled the freezer im gunna shoot a spike if he walks my way

[@stevoky]

People say old bucks aren't good to eat. I think that is a common misconception some of the best venison I've had were old deer. I could be wrong but I believe it's more of their diet than anything else.

[@justinthomas226]

Some people go five or six years without seeing a buck. I think all legal deer are good and venison on the table is always a good thing. Nice video.

[@justin5002]

I don’t care how long you boil em, you can’t eat antlers.

[@joshparker7125]

You have to add this also. Spike deer have smaller body. Makes them lighter to carry out. I am getting older and hunt by myself. Dragging out smaller deer is easier for me. Thanks for the video.

[@MrTrapper1111]

This guy really is smart. Some of y’all need to really listen to him lol

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Ha 😊

[@mainelivin3699]

Three four years ago I shot a yearling it only weighed 70 lb that was the best damn deer I ever ate every bit of it eight and cut like filet mignon and on another note when you shoot a yearling it only killing one deer when you shoot a full grown dough you're killing three maybe even four deer because the does are pregnant that yearling was the best damn deer meat I ever ate

[@alquinn3562]

We had a spike on our property with 14” “ blades on its head. Good body size and looked like a 2.5-3.5 year old deer. No ag around here and this deer was larger and more aggressive than most. I noticed that other bucks had wounds about the head, neck, haunches, that were very strange in appearance. Some were infected. We surmised that “ blades” was the cause during fights and was punching holes in these smaller bucks. My nephew witnessed a fight where blades had stuck another 1.5 year old buck. We put a hit on him and took him out. He had dried blood on his antler tips. Who knows how many bucks were damaged by this deer. The points were very thin and long. Very much like a knife blade fashioned from bone. Due to his body size I can tell you he wasn’t a young deer and may or not have become something. We just couldn’t risk the damage to the other deer and those weird genetics being passed on.

[@joeystalin4044]

Sounds like you made the "right" reasonable choice

[@WILDBILLSOUTDOORS]

You killed him for the right reasons, but always remember this, It is impossible to shoot bad genetics out of a wild deer herd. The doe carries 50% of the genetics, and studies have proven that even on strictly managed properties you can't change the genetics by shooting so called "cull" bucks. Can a buck qualify as cull, sure he can depending on the goals for a property, but be realistic, all the term "cull" really does is give us an excuse to kill a cool buck that doesn't meet the standards we set.

[@johnkeslick6175]

My buddy got his first Maryland public buck last year. 7in spikes! Awesome hunt, 900 yards from car, quartered it in the woods, Cooked the ribs for lunch in the woods.

[@matthewgalston5260]

I like that point that as long as your happy with what you've shot it doesn't matter the size. By us our land produces bigger bucks than other local areas so our standards maybe high than others but that doesn't matter just be nice to others and what they shoot.

[@chrisboyd1408]

Excellent video, as always. Everyone is entitled to the opportunity to harvest a deer, sometimes it goes the way we dream about, while many times it doesn't. Most of all, we are out in God's creative workmanship enjoying time away from work, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends and family. The old adage: "a bad day in the woods is better than a great day at work."

[@whitetailhunter7202]

"yearling 8 point or yearling 10 point." What?!?!?! maybe on a game ranch. I've heard a few people say they exist, but when photos of the "yearling" 8 o 10 is shown it is obvious by body structure that the deer is Nota yearling. Spike, 3 pt, small 4 point would be yearling not any bigger, the your talking 2 ½ and older. We have 150"-170" 5-7 yr old bucks running around our farm that started as spikes and small 4 points. We know, we've watched them grow up through multiple cameras out and living on property and watching in person. Never have I ever had or heard of a 8 or 10 point yearling outside of a game ranch. Never have I seen any evidence supporting that either. I would love to see the proof of that statement you made.

[@brianlenneman5032]

Great video Jeff!!! It’s all about having fun!! I even enjoy building the property sometimes better than hunting…

[@demodic7221]

I love the standard part. My dad always shot the first deer that walked out. Now that he’s in his 60s he’s just watching and letting the bucks grow. I asked him what changed? He said “The hunt is coming to an end for me soon so I want to get a monster before I can’t no more.”

[@jerrycox5700]

I agree with you brother shoot what makes you happy Hunting is about having fun with the family and enjoying that great venison we kill. Keep up the good work love the videos

[@bfighter125]

Must be nice, need 3 on one side here in Michigan to shoot.

[@robertschuknecht1481]

The buck in my avatar is from Missaukee County, Michigan where we have three on a side minimum. I love the antler restrictions.

[@libertyoutdooradventures208]

When I on state land where any deer is an accomplishment no buck is walking. When I'm on private property where the deer are plentiful I'll pass on small bucks