BT spike - shoot or don't shoot?

[Blacktail Sniper]

I grew up hunting in Oregon.  It is true that the blacktail areas there are 2 point or better, but I don't agree that the hunting for them "is so much better there".  I have killed spikes and also let some walk based on the time of the season and the size of the animal. There is a significant difference between a little 2 or 3 inch spike and one that is apparently a year older with longer spikes. The bigger ones often look like a two point when looking straight at you or away from you at first glance or a from a distance.  One argument against a 2 point regulation in Washington is that some of these would no doubt be killed by accident and left behind when the hunter realized the mistake.   

Much like the two points shot in a three point mule deer area and the sticker spikes shot in a true spike elk unit....

[Stein]

I shot a 1x2 feeding on irrigated land evening of opening day in MT.  Tastes delicious.


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[SteelheadTed]

The whole weest side should be a 2 point zone.

Why do you think oregon blacktail hunting is so much better.

I am not sure it is that easy, but in a micro case, that is what I am thinking about.  If I am hunting deer that are mostly cruising private land that I know no one else is hunting, perhaps I do a little bit of micromanaging of my little hunting area.

That said, for my first deer, I think I am killing the first legal deer I see.

[huntkah]

It's that simple.  Look at oregons harvest compared to Washington. With no spikes. It's no secret deer get smarter as they get older. Smarter deer live longer. Deer that live longer create more opportunities down the road.

Other major factors are does and predator control. It's truly not rocket science.

Mule deer in general have they're own problems. They need habitat. It's going away.

Look at 117/121. Nearly everyone who lived there said it improved. I saw it improve but the babies complained and got rid of the restrictions.

You want more deer then you have to make some sacrifices. Leaving the does alone and not shooting literal baby deer would be a start. I know washington has a lot of people but when your best general unit barely exceeds 30%success for deer and most arefar less than that you're managing something wrong. But no one will sacrifice for a few years to let things improve.  $ and greed.

[Big6bull]

If my freezer is full I will be passing on spikes. Freezer empty I don't think I could pass up the shot

[TheSkyBuster]

Meat!

[jtw]

I've never taken a spike, however I would have if my first deer had been one.
As previously mentioned I would shoot one of the "longer" spikes. I've seen some young spikes that were "barely legal" that wouldn't make up for the cost of the tag in meat. But, 1" is legal so your call.

[2labs]

You snuffed Bambi...

[TheSkyBuster]

You snuffed Bambi...

 


Bambi had it coming!

[2labs]

Hahaha. That's great! I never trusted Bambi or thumper!

[Thehowler]

Good job snuffing that sucker!

[fishnfur]

 

I completely agree - kill a spike if you need/want the meat, or it's your first deer.  After 5 years of tag soup, there was still no way I was going to take a spike this year.  At least that was the plan.  I may have reconsidered the plan if I was still hunting today.

[SteelheadTed]

I found my spike!  But, on the shoulders of another hunter.  The only other dudes with access where I was hunting are related to the land owners, can't complain about that, they are generous enough to share the land with me.  Was cool to see, they knew where the buck was chilling for the time of day and weather, found him and drilled him.  The lesson learned about where the deer hang out in different conditions on this piece of land was worth the trip.  A long walk in the woods on a beautiful day didn't suck either.

[Wingin it]

I have passed up many spikes in my 26 years of hunting. I have also had to eat my tag on some of those years. I shot my first spike on Saturday. My freezer is full again and he'll feed my family with good organic meat. If I had it to do over he'd be right where he is now.