I saw on this week's hunt, and have seen before, a buck about the size of a fawn with tiny spikes about 2 inches long. Would any of the deer experts on here tell me their opinion on these? Are they actual fawns or small yearlings (1 1/2 yr old deer)? IOW, do fawns ever grow more than buttons?

It could go either way. A late born fawn last year could have short spikes. And a lotta fawns this year will bust thru. Early born fawns could already start. And there will be a good many show up in January, especially during spike/doe season...

My opinion is that, it would probably grow into something decent with age. However, where I hunt in Northeast Texas, I would not hesitate for one second to shoot one, if I had not got a deer by now.

Here's my reasoning.

I had exactly 1 chance at a legal deer last year in about about 25 hunts, bow season through gun season.

I have 2 total doe on camera, and I have seen 2 more and 3 bucks this year. One was a legal 8 but a 3 1/2 year old deer. He did not give me a second to shoot chasing does.

This is pretty typical hunting around here. I would rather kill a young Spike not knowing what he may or may not become, than shoot a doe, or that 3 1/2 8 point that will be very nice next year.

Its easy to pass if you get plenty of opportunities every year. If your like me, you better pull trigger or spend another year hoping someone will give you some meat.

Well, I have no interest in shooting deer like these, I was just curious how old it might be. I've been looking at other forums and this question has been asked before and although people have opinions on each side, I don't think it was ever resolved. My personal vote is that deer like these are fawns.

Don't forget...a fawn born in April will be 8 months old and could have three inch tines...one born in august will be only 4 months old might have only nubbins. Spike with 6 inch tines are considered a 1 1/2 year old. I have seen a 2 1/2 year old spike.